Best Des Moines to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Des Moines to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 333 miles from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Des Moines. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Des Moines entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Des Moines to Chicago moving option

Hire local Des Moines 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Des Moines to Chicago 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 Des Moines to Chicago 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 Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 39 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Des Moines and Chicago areas.

From these 39 companies, we analyzed a total of 24,076 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 39 companies and 203 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~24,000 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 19,019 Des Moines to Chicago 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 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Hemmen Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.60/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 18,724 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.14/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 6,908 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.62/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 4,056 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.65/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 6,762 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.36/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 3,587 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.88/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 9,956 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.12/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 9,189 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.34/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 17,558 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.52/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 10,165 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.29/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 2,211 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.30/10 avg (Des Moines & Chicago combined) from 9,286 reviews

From Des Moines to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• East Village in Des Moines & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their local eateries & bustling nightlife
• Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood & Chicago's Old Town both share historic architecture & Victorian homes
• If you're moving from Beaverdale, check out Beverly in the Chicago area for family-friendly single-family homes
• Do you enjoy Drake's college area with coffee shops & bars? You're sure to love Hyde Park
• Move from Greenwood Park to Edison Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: a quiet suburban feel with green spaces
• Court Avenue District & River North are both known for their downtown nightlife & entertainment
• Des Moines' South of Grand neighborhood & Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood both have an artsy vibe & repurposed buildings
• If you're moving from Waterbury, look into Lincoln Square for a residential area with parks & trails
• Do you cherish living in Fleur Drive's up-and-coming scene & small businesses? Move into Logan Square for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Chicago

ConsDes Moines, IA

• Smaller city vibe
• Less cultural diversity
• Lower job opportunities
• Fewer entertainment options

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger urban area
• Greater cultural diversity
• Higher job prospects
• More entertainment venues

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• More traffic congestion
• Less personal community
• Fewer green spaces

Des Moines, IA

• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic
• Close-knit community
• Abundant outdoor spaces

Pros of moving from Des Moines to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger urban area
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to Chicago with greater cultural diversity
• Swap the lower job opportunities of Des Moines for higher job prospects in Chicago
• Get ready for more entertainment venues in Chicago

Cons of moving from Des Moines to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Des Moines to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic and have to settle for the con of more traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to the close-knit community and get used to the less personal community in Chicago
• Swap the abundant outdoor spaces for fewer green spaces

Des Moines vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Des Moines to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Des Moines rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chicago-Style Vegan Deep Dish of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Des Moines eateries like Fong's Pizza, Zombie Burger, and Centro. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat.

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Des Moines favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, A Centro, and La Mie Bakery in Des Moines, we're sure you'll love Kuma's Corner, Monteverde, and Floriole Cafe & Bakery in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Des Moines hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at El Bait Shop, head to Hopleaf Bar on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Des Moines and Chicago

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Des Moines is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Des Moines's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Des Moines.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Des Moines.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Des Moines.
• Chicago housing costs are 45% more expensive than they are in Des Moines, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Des Moines’s $199,739.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 38% increase in Des Moines.
• Rent in Chicago is 98.14% more expensive than in Des Moines.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Des Moines to Chicago. Chicago gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Des Moines.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Des Moines.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Des Moines, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 2 degrees colder than in Des Moines.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Des Moines.
• Your umbrella might be used the same in Chicago. Chicago receives inches of rain compared to Des Moines.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Des Moines and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 10% more than in Des Moines
• The COLI in Chicago is 29% higher than what you are used to living in Des Moines
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 (flat) compared to 0.33 - 8.53 in IA
• The affluence in Chicago is varied compared to moderate in Des Moines
• The poverty level is higher in Chicago compared to lower in Des Moines
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Des Moines and higher in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Des Moines vs. Chicago

• Des Moines tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Catholic presence
• Des Moines' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a slight Christian majority

Des Moines vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 75% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Des Moines commute. That's 7,800 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Des Moines.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.