Best San Jose to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do San Jose to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 1,873 miles from San Jose, CA to Des Moines, IA will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Des Moines that already have a booked job heading from Des Moines to San Jose. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from San Jose entirely empty. If you can find a Des Moines moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper San Jose to Des Moines moving option

Hire local San Jose movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Des Moines movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this San Jose to Des Moines move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top San Jose to Des Moines movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best San Jose, CA to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the San Jose to Des Moines moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 21 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the San Jose and Des Moines areas.

From these 21 companies, we analyzed a total of 6,260 reviews dating all the way back to August 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 6 state and federal moving licenses from these 21 companies and 100 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~6,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 1,840 San Jose to Des Moines moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like D&L Movers) vs older more established companies (like Best Move Inc).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every San Jose to Des Moines moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.76/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 4,654 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.53/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 1,974 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.79/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 1,173 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

8.28/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 2,165 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

7.13/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 878 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.93/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 2,266 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.25/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 2,568 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.54/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 4,627 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.69/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 2,802 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

5.30/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 492 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.52/10 avg (San Jose & Des Moines combined) from 2,705 reviews

From San Jose to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Willow Glen in San Jose & Beaverdale in Des Moines are both known for their: historic homes & walkable business district
• San Jose's Rose Garden neighborhood & Des Moines' Sherman Hill both share: historic architecture & quiet streets
• If you're moving from Japantown, check out East Village in the Des Moines area for the: cultural hub & local events
• Do you enjoy Downtown San Jose's bustling nightlife & central business district? You're sure to love Downtown Des Moines
• Move from Cambrian Park to Beaverdale and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: strong schools & suburban parks
• Berryessa & Fleur Drive are both known for their: newer homes in a suburban setting
• San Jose's Blossom Valley neighborhood & Des Moines' Ingersoll Park neighborhood both have: quiet neighborhoods with nearby parks
• If you're moving from Almaden Valley, look into Waveland Park for the: family-friendly atmosphere with established homes

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Des Moines

ConsSan Jose, CA

• High living costs
• Traffic congestion
• Dense population
• Less seasonal change

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Lower living costs
• Less traffic
• Smaller population
• Distinct seasons

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Des Moines, IA

• Fewer tech jobs
• Cold winters
• Less diversity
• More limited dining

San Jose, CA

• Tech job hub
• Mild winters
• Diverse culture
• Varied dining options

Pros of moving from San Jose to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Des Moines with less traffic
• Swap the dense population of San Jose for a smaller population in Des Moines
• Get ready for distinct seasons in Des Moines

Cons of moving from San Jose to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the tech job hub in San Jose to live with fewer tech jobs in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of cold winters
• Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to less diversity in Des Moines
• Swap varied dining options for more limited dining

San Jose vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from San Jose to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Pho of San Jose for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in San Jose rave about their flavorful Kalbi (Korean BBQ Ribs) and sumptuous Tacos, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Pho they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Burger of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic San Jose eateries like Falafel's Drive-In, San Pedro Square Market, and Manresa. After the boxes are unpacked in Des Moines, don't wait too long before making your way to Des Moines' acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Fong's Pizza, and 801 Chophouse.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than San Jose. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in San Jose. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Des Moines.

Discover Des Moines Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Des Moines is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old San Jose favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Adega, La Foret, and Original Joe's in San Jose, we're sure you'll love Aposto, Harbinger, and Centro in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished San Jose hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Falafel's Drive-In, head to Oasis Falafel on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between San Jose and Des Moines

• The Modern and Spanish Revival architecture that San Jose is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to San Jose's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Silicon Valley and outdoor spaces, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Des Moines is less walkable than San Jose.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike because Des Moines is less bike-friendly than San Jose.
• Des Moines has less of an urban feel than San Jose.
• Des Moines housing costs are 86% less expensive than they are in San Jose, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to San Jose’s $1,461,923.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 36% increase in San Jose.
• Rent in Des Moines is 65.85% more affordable than in San Jose.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking trails that make it easy to keep your furry friends active and happy.
2. Ingersoll Park: With pet-friendly cafes and easy access to local dog parks, you and your pet can enjoy everything the community has to offer.
3. Waveland Park: You’re never far from open spaces and trails, making it convenient for daily walks and outdoor pet activities.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between San Jose and Des Moines

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from San Jose to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 20% fewer sunshine days than San Jose.
• Des Moines has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to San Jose.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes in San Jose, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Des Moines.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 4 degrees warmer than in San Jose.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in San Jose.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 20.2 more inches of rain compared to San Jose.

Financial & Community Snapshot: San Jose and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 52% less than in San Jose
• The COLI in Des Moines is 42% lower than what you are used to living in San Jose
• The state income tax in IA is 8.98 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in Des Moines is moderate compared to high in San Jose
• The poverty level is moderate in Des Moines compared to low in San Jose
• In terms of homelessness, it is increasing in San Jose and lower in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in San Jose vs. Des Moines

• San Jose tends to lean liberal in its political climate
• Des Moines, on the other hand, is often described as lean liberal
• Des Moines' religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant and growing diversity
• San Jose's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural religious communities

San Jose vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 33% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your San Jose daily drive. That's an annual savings of 5,200 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in San Jose.
• Public transit is less readily available in Des Moines.