Best Indianapolis to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Indianapolis to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 478 miles from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis, IN to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 24 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Indianapolis and Des Moines areas.

From these 24 companies, we analyzed a total of 5,439 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 24 companies and 106 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~5,000 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 3,102 Indianapolis 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 You Move Me Indianapolis) 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 Indianapolis 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.

8.50/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 2,630 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.07/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 741 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.31/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 401 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.73/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 856 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.99/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 314 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.67/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 1,053 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.05/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 1,503 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.31/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 2,643 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.39/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 1,546 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.12/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 315 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.89/10 avg (Indianapolis & Des Moines combined) from 1,160 reviews

From Indianapolis to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Broad Ripple in Indianapolis and East Village in Des Moines are both known for their vibrant nightlife and arts scene
• Indianapolis' Fountain Square neighborhood and Des Moines' Ingersoll Park both share hip local eateries and a creative vibe
• If you're moving from Meridian-Kessler, check out Sherman Hill in the Des Moines area for the historic homes and leafy streets
• Do you enjoy Lockerbie Square's Victorian architecture near downtown? You're sure to love Sherman Hill
• Move from Irvington to Highland Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic ambiance and community feel
• Mass Ave and East Village are both known for their boutique shops and public art
• Indianapolis' Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and Des Moines' Beaverdale neighborhood both have family-friendly streets and local shops
• If you're moving from Herron-Morton, look into Ingersoll Park for the proximity to theater and arts venues

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines

ConsIndianapolis, IN

• Higher crime rates
• Less bike-friendly
• Fewer green spaces
• Smaller job market

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Lower crime rates
• More bike paths
• More parks
• Larger job market

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Des Moines, IA

• Fewer major teams
• Less cultural variety
• Fewer nightlife spots
• Smaller city feel

Indianapolis, IN

• Better sports scene
• More cultural institutions
• Greater entertainment options
• Larger city vibe

Pros of moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from less bike-friendly and moving to Des Moines with more bike paths
• Swap the fewer green spaces of Indianapolis for more parks in Des Moines
• Get ready for a larger job market in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a better sports scene in Indianapolis to live with fewer major teams in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of more cultural institutions and have to settle with the con of less cultural variety
• Time to bid farewell to greater entertainment options and get used to fewer nightlife spots in Des Moines
• Swap a larger city vibe for a smaller city feel

Indianapolis vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indianapolis to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis for the equally delicious Loose-Meat Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Indianapolis rave about their flavorful Shrimp cocktail and sumptuous Gourmet Popcorn, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Pork chops 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 Veggie burger of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indianapolis eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth. After the boxes are unpacked in Des Moines, don't wait too long before making your way to Des Moines' acclaimed eateries like The Smash Park, Fong's Pizza, and A Dong Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Indianapolis. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Indianapolis. Also, the overall foodie scene is more 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 Indianapolis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth in Indianapolis, we're sure you'll love 801 Chophouse, Centro, and St. Kilda in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Indianapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Eagle, head to High Life Lounge on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indianapolis and Des Moines

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Indianapolis is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Indianapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to schools, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like green spaces and downtown access.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Des Moines is more walkable than Indianapolis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis.
• Des Moines has more of an urban feel than Indianapolis.
• Des Moines housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Indianapolis, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Indianapolis’s $224,099.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 60% increase in Indianapolis.
• Rent in Des Moines is 22.02% more affordable than in Indianapolis.

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 Indianapolis and Des Moines

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indianapolis to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 8% more sunshine days than Indianapolis.
• Des Moines has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indianapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indianapolis, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe winter storms in Des Moines.
• The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 1 degree warmer than in Indianapolis.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Indianapolis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Indianapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indianapolis and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 4% more than in Indianapolis
• The COLI in Des Moines will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Indianapolis
• The state income tax in IA is up to 8.53 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in Des Moines is high compared to moderate affluence in Indianapolis
• The poverty level is moderate in Des Moines compared to high poverty level in Indianapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Indianapolis and low in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Indianapolis vs. Des Moines

• Indianapolis tends to lean 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 Christianity dominant with growing multicultural religious communities
• Indianapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with a diverse religious presence

Indianapolis vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 20% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your daily drive in Indianapolis. That's an annual savings of 2,600 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Indianapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Des Moines.