Best Chicago to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 333 miles from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines that already have a booked job heading from Des Moines to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Chicago 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 Chicago to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 39 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Des Moines 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 Chicago 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 606 Movers, Inc.) 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 Chicago 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.

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

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Chicago to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Beaverdale in Des Moines are both known for their tree-lined streets & family-friendly homes
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Des Moines' East Village both share trendy boutiques & nightlife
• If you're moving from Lakeview, check out East Village in the Des Moines area for the music venues & bustling nightlife
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's craft breweries & dining options? You're sure to love Ingersoll Park
• Move from River North to Valley Junction and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic district with galleries & restaurants
• Bucktown & Sherman Hill are both known for their Victorian-era loft conversions
• Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood & Des Moines' Drake neighborhood both have a university-adjacent residential area
• If you're moving from Andersonville, look into Valley Junction for the boutique shops in a historic district

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Des Moines

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rate
• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic
• Colder winters
• Bustling environment

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Lower crime rate
• More affordable living
• Less congestion
• Milder winters
• Quieter, laid-back vibe

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Des Moines, IA

• Smaller diverse options
• Less nightlife variety
• Limited public transit
• Fewer cultural institutions
• Smaller job market

Chicago, IL

• Diverse culture
• Vibrant nightlife
• Extensive public transit
• Rich in arts
• Larger job market

Pros of moving from Chicago to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to the higher crime rate and hello to the lower crime rate
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to Des Moines with more affordable living
• Swap the heavy traffic of Chicago for less congestion in Des Moines
• Get ready for milder winters in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Chicago to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse culture in Chicago to live with smaller diverse options in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of less nightlife variety
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to limited public transit in Des Moines
• Swap being rich in arts for fewer cultural institutions

Chicago vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Deep-dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog (Chicago style), Des Moines residents know they have tasty Iowa Pork Chop and Tacos 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 Jackfruit Tacos of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Des Moines, don't wait too long before making your way to Des Moines' acclaimed eateries like Fong's Pizza, Centro, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Chicago. 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 Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Portillo's Hot Dogs, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we're sure you'll love 801 Chophouse, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Centro in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Giordano's, head to Gusto Pizza Co. on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked."

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Des Moines

• The Modern and Greystone architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transit, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like quiet neighborhoods and spacious backyards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Des Moines is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Des Moines has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Des Moines housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Des Moines is 49.53% more affordable than in Chicago.

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 Chicago and Des Moines

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 8% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• Des Moines has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Des Moines.
• The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 1 degree warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be used the same in Des Moines. Des Moines receives inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 9% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Des Moines will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in IA is 4.14 to 8.53 (progressive) compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Des Moines is relative affluence compared to moderately affluent in Chicago
• The poverty level is less visible in Des Moines compared to visible in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is challenging in Chicago and less prevalent in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Des Moines

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Des Moines, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Des Moines' religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with growing diversity
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant populations

Chicago vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 41% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 7,280 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Des Moines.