Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Virginia Beach to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines
Moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Virginia Beach than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Virginia Beach compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $402,391 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 41% lower than in Virginia Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 52.2% lower than in Virginia Beach. - Income in Des Moines is 28.5% lower than in Virginia Beach, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- The cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 58.3% lower than in Virginia Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 25.9% lower than in Virginia Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 22.92% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.48% lower than in Virginia Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,251.49 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 457,672 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 42.0 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 58.0 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 53% greater than Virginia Beach.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Virginia Beach's lower score of 3.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
- Both Des Moines and Virginia Beach have the same bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, meaning Des Moines is about as safe for cyclists as Virginia Beach. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Virginia Beach with a score of 5.0 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Des Moines and Virginia Beach are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Virginia Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach vs. Des Moines move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Iowa doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Des Moines without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Des Moines
With your sights set on "Hartford of the West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Des Moines.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Village
- North of Grand
- Woodland Heights
- Chautauqua Park
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After getting comfortable in your new Iowa home, itโs time to see what Des Moines is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Des Moines include museums and art centers like the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Virginia Beach to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Virginia Beach to Des Moines in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Virginia Beach to Des Moines take?
The 1,209-mile move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Des Moines, IA, takes two to eight days. Some Virginia Beach movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
