City guide · Iowa
Moving to or from Des Moines
Statewide living costs and taxes for Iowa, and the routes we price, with a modelled price for each. Then get written estimates for your own move.
Des Moines at a glance
- Cost of living index (Iowa, statewide)
- 90.3 (US = 100)
- State income tax (top rate)
- 5.7%
- Sales tax (state and local average)
- 6.94%
We do not hold city-level living-cost or weather figures for Des Moines yet. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
What a move to or from Des Moines costs
The routes we price from and to Des Moines, each with the modelled price for a 2-bedroom home. Open one for the distance, timing and what changes between the two cities.
We do not have a priced route page for Des Moines yet. See every route we price or ask for written estimates for your exact move.
What to plan for in Des Moines
Thinking about moving to or from Des Moines, IA? We do not hold city-level living-cost or weather figures for Des Moines yet, so this guide uses Iowa's statewide numbers: a statewide cost-of-living index of 90.3 (100 is the US average). Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7%, and the average combined state and local sales tax is 6.94%. This guide covers living costs, timing, utilities, and the routes we price, each with a modelled price.
Cost of living in Des Moines
Iowa's statewide cost-of-living index is 90.3 against a national baseline of 100. We do not have a city-level index or typical rent for Des Moines yet, so check current listings for the neighbourhoods you are considering. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7%, and the average combined state and local sales tax is 6.94%. Build your first-year budget around rent and taxes, not just the cost of the move.
Timing your move
Our cost model prices May through September, the busy moving season, higher than the rest of the year. If your dates can move, ask the movers to quote an October-to-April date as well and compare the written estimates side by side. Whatever the month, check the forecast for move week and ask the movers how they protect floors and boxes if it rains.
Setting up utilities in Des Moines
Line up electricity, gas, water, internet and trash before move day. Your new address decides which companies serve you, so ask the landlord or seller, and schedule service to start the day before you arrive.
Leaving Iowa, or staying in it
A mover that carries your things across a state line must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a USDOT number, which you can look up on FMCSA's website before you book. The rules for a move that stays inside Iowa are set by the state and vary, so ask the mover which state licence or permit, if any, covers your move. Either way, get the estimate in writing and make sure the company name on it matches the registration.
How to check any mover on FMCSA
Before you book, check the mover on the public federal record. It takes a few minutes and works for any company, whoever sent you the estimate.
Ask for the USDOT number
A mover that carries household goods across a state line needs a USDOT number from FMCSA. It belongs on the written estimate.
Look it up on SAFER
Enter the number in FMCSA's SAFER company snapshot. The legal name there should match the company on your estimate.
Check the operating status
The snapshot shows whether the company is authorized to operate. If it is not, or the name does not match, keep looking.
Know your rights
FMCSA's Protect Your Move pages explain estimates, valuation and claims. For a move inside one state, also check that state's mover licence.
Our top choice list
Our top picks and affiliated movers from our network. Each one is listed on 8 Top Movers, whose moving team handles the estimate requests from this site.
- Global Elegance Moving and LogisticsBased in Boca Raton, FL
- TapMoveBased in Sacramento, CA
- LoadRansBased in Vernon, CA
- Bristol Moving and StorageBased in Spotswood, NJ
- Hudson Van LinesBased in Randolph, NJ
- Royal Van LinesBased in West Milford, NJ
- Pacific Moving and StorageBased in Ladera Ranch, CA
- Apex Van LinesBased in Kirkland, WA
Global Elegance Moving and Logistics shares ownership with 8 Top Movers.
We may be compensated by movers in our network. Nobody pays for placement.
Questions about moving to Des Moines
Is Des Moines expensive to live in?
We do not have a city-level figure for Des Moines yet. Statewide, Iowa has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (100 is the US average).
When is the best time to move to Des Moines?
Our cost model prices May through September, the busy moving season, higher than the rest of the year. If your dates can move, ask the movers to quote an October-to-April date as well and compare the written estimates side by side.
How do I get a real price for a move to or from Des Moines?
Ask for written estimates. When you ask for estimates here, the 8 Top Movers moving team gets rates from the licensed movers in its network and brings back written estimates. You never pay us, and asking is never a booking.
Sources
- MERIC Cost of Living Index, 2025, retrieved 2026-01-15
- Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data, retrieved 2026-01-15
Moving to or from Des Moines?
Tell us about your move once. The 8 Top Movers moving team gets rates from the licensed movers in its network and brings back written estimates. You never pay us, and asking is never a booking.