Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Seattle to Des Moines
Moving from Seattle 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 Seattle than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Seattle compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Seattle | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,975 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 42% lower than in Seattle, 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 77.2% lower than in Seattle. - Income in Des Moines is 24.9% lower than in Seattle, 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 49.4% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 55.3% lower than in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 22.92% higher than in Seattle.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 32.37% lower than in Seattle.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in Seattle.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,516.84 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 737,015 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 71 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 58.88 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 49.23 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 5% less than Seattle.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
- Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 5.0 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Des Moines is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 57.8 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Seattle it's good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle 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
- Downtown
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waterbury
- Waveland Park
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
Now that you've made the move to Iowa, itโs the perfect time to explore Des Moines. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Seattle 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 Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Seattle 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 Seattle to Des Moines take?
The 1,756-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Des Moines, IA, takes five to 16 days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
