Best Philadelphia to Des Moines Movers

How Much Do Philadelphia to Des Moines Movers Cost?

Moving 1,077 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 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 Philadelphia. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Des Moines from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Des Moines moving option

Hire local Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 38 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Philadelphia and Des Moines areas.

From these 38 companies, we analyzed a total of 12,688 reviews dating all the way back to July 2008.

We also reviewed a total of 15 state and federal moving licenses from these 38 companies and 183 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~12,000 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 4,743 Philadelphia 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 EverSafe Moving Co.) 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 Philadelphia 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.

8.81/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 6,930 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.60/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 2,650 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.96/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 1,735 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

8.10/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 2,816 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.88/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 1,160 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.95/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 3,181 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.25/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 4,258 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.57/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 7,015 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.69/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 4,210 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.46/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 763 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.37/10 avg (Philadelphia & Des Moines combined) from 3,438 reviews

From Philadelphia to Des Moines: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Old City in Philadelphia & East Village in Des Moines are both known for their: eclectic shops & nightlife
• Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood & Des Moines' East Village both share: breweries & hip art scene
• If you're moving from University City, check out Drake in the Des Moines area for the: college neighborhood with campus & cafes
• Do you enjoy Northern Liberties' historic architecture & revitalization? You're sure to love Sherman Hill
• Move from Center City to Downtown and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: central business district & nightlife

Pros and Cons of Moving from Philadelphia to Des Moines

ConsPhiladelphia, PA

• Higher crime rates
• Expensive living costs
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Harsh winters

ProsDes Moines, IA

• Lower crime rates
• Affordable living costs
• Minimal traffic
• Milder winters

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Des Moines, IA

• Less historical sites
• Fewer major sports events
• Less diverse cuisine
• Smaller job market

Philadelphia, PA

• Richer history
• Better sports culture
• More diverse cuisine
• Larger job market

Pros of moving from Philadelphia to Des Moines

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from expensive living costs and moving to Des Moines with affordable living costs
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Philadelphia for minimal traffic in Des Moines
• Get ready for milder winters in Des Moines

Cons of moving from Philadelphia to Des Moines

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from richer history in Philadelphia to live with fewer historical sites in Des Moines
• You'll lose out on the pro of better sports culture and have to settle for the con of fewer major sports events
• Time to bid farewell to more diverse cuisine and get used to less diverse cuisine in Des Moines
• Swap a larger job market for a smaller job market

Philadelphia vs. Des Moines: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Philadelphia to Des Moines, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Philadelphia for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines. And while the locals in Philadelphia rave about their flavorful Roast Pork Sandwich and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Des Moines residents know they have tasty Iowa Chop and Taco Trucks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of Des Moines. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Philadelphia eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market. 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, Centro, and Fong's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Des Moines shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Philadelphia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Des Moines compared to what you are used to in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Zahav, Vetri Cucina, and Federal Donuts in Philadelphia, we're sure you'll love Aposto, Baru 66, and Donut King in Des Moines. See our Des Moines restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Philadelphia hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Reading Terminal Market, head to the Downtown Farmers' Market on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Philadelphia and Des Moines

• The Row Houses architecture that Philadelphia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Des Moines.
• Compared to Philadelphia's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to amenities and historical charm, Des Moines real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Des Moines is less walkable than Philadelphia.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike since Des Moines is less bike-friendly than Philadelphia.
• Des Moines has less of an urban feel than Philadelphia.
• Des Moines housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Philadelphia, with a median home price of $199,739 compared to Philadelphia’s $217,849.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Des Moines have increased by 38% compared to a 27% increase in Philadelphia.
• Rent in Des Moines is 37.83% more affordable than in Philadelphia.

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 Philadelphia and Des Moines

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Philadelphia to Des Moines. Des Moines gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Philadelphia.
• Des Moines has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Philadelphia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and winter storms in Philadelphia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Des Moines.
• The average summer high temperature in Des Moines is 1 degree colder than in Philadelphia.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Philadelphia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Des Moines. Des Moines receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to Philadelphia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Philadelphia and Des Moines

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Des Moines tend to earn about 15% more than in Philadelphia
• The COLI in Des Moines is 28% lower than what you are used to living in Philadelphia
• The state income tax in IA is up to 8.53 compared to 3.07 in PA
• The affluence in Des Moines is high compared to moderate affluence in Philadelphia
• The poverty level is moderate in Des Moines compared to high poverty in Philadelphia
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Philadelphia and lower in Des Moines

Political and Religious Climate in Philadelphia vs. Des Moines

• Philadelphia tends to lean primarily 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 diverse with significant Protestant and Catholic communities
• Philadelphia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic with a large Catholic presence

Philadelphia vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 38% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Des Moines compared to your daily drive in Philadelphia. That's an annual savings of 6,240 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Des Moines to be better than it is in Philadelphia.
• Public transit is less readily available in Des Moines.