Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Madison to Des Moines
Moving from Madison 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 Madison than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Madison compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Madison | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 28% lower than in Madison, 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 47.7% lower than in Madison. - Income in Des Moines is 7.0% lower than in Madison, 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 17.5% lower than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 19.7% lower than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 78.79% higher than in Madison.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the cityโs sales taxes in Des Moines are 27.27% higher than in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,475.13 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 269,840 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 66 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 65.43 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 159% greater than Madison.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Des Moines is less walkable than Madison with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 5.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 57.8 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison 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
- Sherman Hill
- Downtown
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Linden Heights
- Waveland Park
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
Things to do in Des Moines
Once youโre settled into your new home in Iowa, itโs time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Madison 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 Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Madison 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 Madison to Des Moines take?
The 288-mile move from Madison, WI, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
