Best Kansas City to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Kansas City to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 194 miles from Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 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 Kansas City. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City, MO to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 30 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Kansas City and Des Moines areas.

From these 30 companies, we analyzed a total of 7,485 reviews dating all the way back to February 2009.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 30 companies and 141 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~7,000 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 2,862 Kansas City 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 Courtesy Movers LLC) 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 Kansas City 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.

8.77/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 3,742 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.25/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 1,198 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.79/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 771 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.86/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 1,335 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.40/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 461 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.78/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 1,519 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.18/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 2,115 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.52/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 3,777 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.57/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 2,131 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.40/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 403 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.28/10 avg (Kansas City & Des Moines combined) from 1,688 reviews

From Kansas City to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Westport in Kansas City & East Village in Des Moines are both known for their historic vibe & nightlife hub
• Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood & Des Moines' Beaverdale both share tree-lined streets & local boutiques
• If you're moving from Waldo, check out Valley Junction in the Des Moines area for the local eateries & bars
• Do you enjoy River Market's riverfront & farmers market? You're sure to love Western Gateway District
• Move from Crossroads Arts District to East Village and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: arts & galleries presence
• North Kansas City & Valley Junction are both known for their brewery scene & community feel
• Kansas City's Hyde Park neighborhood & Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood both have historic bungalows & a quiet vibe
• If you're moving from Armour Hills, look into Sherman Hill for the classic architecture & mature trees

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas City to Des Moines

ConsKansas City, MO

• Higher crime rates
• More traffic
• Hot summers

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Lower crime rates
• Less traffic
• More temperate summers

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Des Moines, IA

• Smaller arts scene
• Fewer restaurant options
• Less emphasis on sports

Kansas City, MO

• Vibrant arts scene
• More restaurant options
• Better sports culture

Pros of moving from Kansas City to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from more traffic and moving to Des Moines with less traffic
• Swap the hot summers of Kansas City for more temperate summers in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Kansas City to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant arts scene in Kansas City to live with a smaller arts scene in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of more restaurant options and have to settle for the con of fewer restaurant options
• Time to bid farewell to a better sports culture and get used to less emphasis on sports in Des Moines

Kansas City vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kansas City to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Kansas City for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Kansas City rave about their flavorful Burnt Ends and sumptuous Barbecue Brisket Sandwich, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Chop and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kansas City eateries like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, and Arthur Bryant’s. 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 Kansas City. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Kansas City. 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 Kansas City favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Bluestem, and Jack Stack Barbecue in Kansas City, we're sure you'll love Smokey D's BBQ, Harbinger, and Jethro’s BBQ in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Kansas City hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Rieger, head to Centro on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kansas City and Des Moines

• The Colonial Revival and Tudor architecture that Kansas City is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Kansas City's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and historic details, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like modern updates and energy efficiency.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Des Moines is more walkable than Kansas City.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Des Moines is more bike-friendly than Kansas City.
• Des Moines has less of an urban feel than Kansas City.
• Des Moines housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Kansas City, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Kansas City’s $236,292.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 53% increase in Kansas City.
• Rent in Des Moines is 21.16% more affordable than in Kansas City.

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 Kansas City and Des Moines

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kansas City to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Kansas City.
• Des Moines has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kansas City.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kansas City, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe winter storms in Des Moines.
• The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 3 degrees colder than in Kansas City.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Kansas City.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Kansas City.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kansas City and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 4% less than in Kansas City
• The COLI in Des Moines is 7% lower than what you are used to living in Kansas City
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33%-8.53% compared to 0%-5.4% in MO
• The affluence in Des Moines is high compared to moderate in Kansas City
• The poverty level is lower in Des Moines compared to significant in Kansas City
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Kansas City and moderate in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Kansas City vs. Des Moines

• Kansas City 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 varied and predominantly Christian
• Kansas City's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a notable Christian presence

Kansas City vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 17% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your Kansas City daily drive. That's an annual savings of 2080 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Kansas City.
• Public transit is less readily available in Des Moines.