Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Cheyenne to Des Moines
What to know before moving from Cheyenne to Des Moines
Moving from Cheyenne to Des Moines comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Des Moines is generally more expensive than Cheyenne, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Cheyenne | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,150 |
| Average home value | $364,105 | $192,347 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,786 | $58,492 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,518 | $1,891 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,568 | $4,380 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
- Rent prices in Des Moines are 11% lower than in Cheyenne, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
Home prices in Des Moines are 47.2% lower than in Cheyenne. - Income in Des Moines is 3.8% lower than in Cheyenne, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines include MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Des Moines, since the cost of living for a single person in Des Moines is 24.6% higher than in Cheyenne. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you’re moving your family to Des Moines, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Des Moines is 22.8% higher than in Cheyenne.
- The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 15.69% higher than in Cheyenne.
- You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city’s sales taxes in Des Moines are 16.67% higher than in Cheyenne.
- State income taxes in Des Moines are 4.40% higher than in Cheyenne.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,737.15 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cheyenne.
How life is different in Cheyenne vs. Des Moines
| Des Moines | Cheyenne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 65,132 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 36 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 49 |
| Crime Index | 5.0 | 19.85 |
| Safety Index | 57.8 | 80.15 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Des Moines's population is about 974% greater than Cheyenne.
- Des Moines's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Cheyenne's lower score of 2.
- Des Moines is more walkable than Cheyenne with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Cheyenne's 36 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 Cheyenne, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Cheyenne with a score of 5.0 compared to Cheyenne's 19.85. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cheyenne neighborhoods are safer than 19.85%.
- Des Moines is considered to be less safe than Cheyenne with a score of 57.8 vs Cheyenne's 80.15.
- Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Cheyenne it's good.
Other things to consider for your Cheyenne 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 they’ve 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 company’s license in Iowa, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Iowa doesn’t 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
- East Village
- Arbor Peaks
- Beaverdale
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Waterbury
- Westwood
- Salisbury Oaks
- Meredith
- Beaverdale
Things to do in Des Moines
After settling into your new Iowa home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Des Moines has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Des Moines is home to museums and cultural arts 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 city’s Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cheyenne to Des Moines?
The best time to move from Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cheyenne to Des Moines?
Because most people are moving from Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne to Des Moines take?
The 628-mile move from Cheyenne, WY, to Des Moines, IA, takes one to six days. Some Cheyenne movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.
