Moving from Iowa City to Des Moines is a bigger change than the mileage suggests. Even though the two cities are only a couple of hours apart, they offer different lifestyles, costs of living, and day-to-day rhythms. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, looking for more affordable housing, or just want a change of pace, this guide breaks down what to expect when making the transition, so you can decide if moving to Des Moines, IA is the right next step for you.
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Distance Between Iowa City and Des Moines, IA
Iowa City and Des Moines are roughly 115 miles apart, making the drive between them just under two hours in normal traffic. The route is straightforward, primarily following I-80 west, with flat farmland and a few smaller towns along the way. Although the distance is close enough for an easy day trip, it’s just far enough to feel like a true move.
Is Iowa City or Des Moines, IA More Affordable?
When it comes to everyday costs, Des Moines generally comes out as the more affordable of the two. Overall living expenses in Iowa City tend to be about 10–11% more expensive than in Des Moines, largely because housing costs run significantly higher in Iowa City. On the other hand, Des Moines has a lower overall cost of living compared to the national average, with cheaper housing, utilities, and day-to-day expenses.
Things to Do When Moving to Des Moines, IA
Before packing your boxes, you’ll want a realistic idea of what your new routine may be like. Des Moines has a surprisingly active culture, with plenty to explore, regardless of what you’re into. Taking some time to familiarize yourself with the city before committing to it might make for a smoother transition.
Downtown Farmer’s Market
Des Moines boasts one of the best farmer’s markets in the Midwest, especially during spring and summer. Locals and visitors alike stroll the Historic Court District to browse fresh produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts from vendors across Iowa. This is a great way to interact with the community and stock up on fresh groceries and ingredients for the week. The market has grown year after year but remains a signature Des Moines experience.
Outdoor Activities in Des Moines
One of the best parts about moving to Des Moines is how easy it is to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and nature without leaving the city. Gray’s Lake Park is a city favorite, featuring a scenic loop trail around the lake that’s perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. Another popular spot is Brown’s Woods, a peaceful urban forest and wildlife preserve with miles of hiking trails, perfect for birdwatching.
Fun for Kids in Des Moines
Des Moines is packed with spots that kids of all ages will love. The Des Moines Children’s Museum is a favorite for younger children with play-based learning stations and plenty of creative activity days scheduled. If you’d rather not pay admission, there’s also a host of parks with dedicated playgrounds and open space where kids can burn off energy, as well as seasonal festivals with games and rides like the Iowa City State Fair.
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Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
Schools in Des Moines Versus Iowa City
Iowa City is home to the Iowa City Community School District, which is often regarded as one of the strongest districts in the state. Iowa City schools tend to perform better academically, with higher test scores and better graduation rates on average. By contrast, Des Moines offers a wider range of programs and more specialty options that allow students to explore career paths and earn college credit. However, because Des Moines is larger, school quality can vary significantly by neighborhood. Overall, Iowa City schools are more consistently high quality, but Des Moines offers more unique opportunities.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa City to Des Moines, IA
Moving from Iowa City to Des Moines can be a great step depending on your lifestyle and priorities—but like any move, it comes with some pros and cons. Here’s a clear look at those pros and cons to help you decide if the move makes sense for you.
- Pro: Lower cost of living overall. Housing and everyday expenses are generally more affordable in Des Moines than in Iowa City.
- Pro: More job opportunities. As Iowa’s largest hub, Des Moines has a stronger job market, especially in business and finance.
- Pro: More big city amenities. Des Moines has restaurants, entertainment, and events year-round, as well as a stronger nightlife.
- Con: Des Moines is larger, but also more spread out, so expect longer drives.
- Con: School quality in Des Moines is more variable by neighborhood, whereas Iowa City performs more consistently.
Moving Companies for Moving from Iowa City to Des Moines, IA
If you’ve decided Des Moines is right for you, you might want some help from professional movers. Luckily, the big city comes with a lot of options. To get a realistic sense of what moving from Iowa City to Des Moines might cost, I reached out to several local moving companies and compared their rates.
| Cost for a 1-Bedroom Move | Mobile Storage Unit or Rental Truck | |
| North American Van Lines | ~$2,000 | $0 (included) |
| All My Sons | ~$2,851 | $0 (included) |
| UniMovers | ~$480 | ~$650 (total: $1,130) |
Of course, moving costs can vary wildly depending on factors like the size of your household and inventory, whether you choose labor-only or full-service moving, the exact distance of your move, and the time of year you book them.
Conclusion
The bottom line: Des Moines has more jobs, more things to do, more variety, and living there can be easier on your budget. On the flip side, it’s more spread out, traffic can be a hassle, and it’s less consistent than what you might be used to in Iowa City. Consider what matters most to you, and what it is you’re looking for. Are you looking for career growth, big city amenities, and a lower cost of living? Or do you value more walkable streets, a close-knit community, and higher-performing school? Des Moines may not feel like Iowa City, but it has a lot to offer once you settle in.
FAQs
Do I need to hire a full-service moving company moving from Iowa City to Des Moines?
Whether you need to hire a full-service moving company or labor-only moving help depends on your needs. As the names suggest, full-service movers handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unloading. This is ideal if you want to be completely hands-off throughout the experience. Labor-only movers provide the muscle for loading and unloading and may help you pack, but you supply the moving vehicle. This is often cheaper and works well if you’re comfortable managing some of the logistics on your own. Check out our handy guide if you need more help deciding what type of movers are right for you.
How do Des Moines, IA and Iowa City, IA compare in terms of traffic and commuting?
Traffic and commuting in Des Moines versus Iowa City differ in a few key ways. Iowa City is more compact, so commuting is usually shorter and more straightforward. Des Moines, being a larger metro, has more spread-out neighborhoods and busier roads, especially during rush hour. That said, Des Moines’ traffic isn’t as extreme as you’ll find in many larger US cities.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
