Your Easy Guide To Moving From Cedar Rapids To Des Moines

If you’re considering a move within Iowa, few comparisons pop up as often as Cedar Rapids versus Des Moines. Both cities offer a relatively low cost of living, manageable commutes, and strong ties to the state’s cultural identity—but there are still some noticeable differences.

Cedar Rapids is a great city for people who prioritize stability, especially young families, but Des Moines positions itself as Iowa’s hub. It’s larger, faster-growing, and has a broader job market. Whether that’s an upgrade or a compromise depends largely on lifestyle priorities, but in this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about moving to Des Moines, IA, from the culture to which moving companies are the best fit for you.

Distance Moving Between Cedar Rapids, IA and Des Moines, IA

For many people considering a move from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines, the first question is a practical one: how far away is it? Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are separated by roughly 130 miles by road, with most routes taking around two to two-and-a-half hours to drive, depending on traffic and weather. The distance makes regular day trips possible, but inconvenient, so keep that in mind if your work or social life can’t move with you.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA or Des Moines, IA More Affordable?

Both Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are considered relatively low-cost compared to national averages, but the Forbes cost of living calculator rates Des Moines as 7% cheaper. Home prices, rent, healthcare, and utilities are a little bit lower across the board. This is compounded by the fact that the average salary across Des Moines tends to be higher.

Things to Do When Moving to Des Moines, IA

One of the biggest draws of moving to Des Moines is the wider range of activities and amenities available compared to smaller Iowa cities like Cedar Rapids. As Iowa’s largest metro area, Des Moines hosts more frequent events, a more active social scene, and greater access to arts, dining, and entertainment than Cedar Rapids.

Iowa State Fair

One of the largest state fairs in the country, the Iowa State Fair, is held every August in Des Moines. It offers a mix of rides, games, live entertainment, and interactive exhibits that make it easy to spend an entire day there, whether you’re with young children, friends, or by yourself. For many Des Moines residents, the fair becomes a yearly tradition.

Outdoor Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines is home to the must-see Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and the unique outdoor Living History Museum. These attractions are perfect opportunities to soak up the culture and local environment of Des Moines.

Nightlife in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a more active and varied nightlife than you’ll find in smaller Iowa cities, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to go out on the weekends. The city has a mix of bars, breweries, live music venues, and casual late-night spots that cater to different tastes, whether you want to go dancing or enjoy some Saturday drinks with friends. Areas like downtown and the East Village are especially popular, with walkable clusters of venues that make it easy to stop at multiple places in one night.

Schools in Des Moines Versus Cedar Rapids, IA

Both Cedar Rapids and Des Moines offer a range of public and private school options, but the scale and variety differ between the two cities. Cedar Rapids is served primarily by the Cedar Rapids Community School District, which is one of the larger districts in the state and offers a relatively consistent experience across its schools. Des Moines, as a larger metro area, includes multiple school districts and a wider mix of educational options. In addition to Des Moines public schools, there’s a broader selection of private and charter schools. This can be a boon if you’re looking for specialized programs or alternative educational approaches, though it can complicate the decision-making process and create financial barriers for some families.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines, IA

After looking at factors like distance, cost of living, schools, and lifestyle, it can be helpful to summarize the main advantages and drawbacks of moving from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines. While each person’s priorities will differ, here are the general pros and cons to keep in mind.

• Pro: Larger job market with more career opportunities
• Pro: More diverse dining, entertainment, and nightlife options
• Pro: Greater variety of schools and educational programs
• Pro: Access to major events like the Iowa State Fair and cultural festivals
• Pro: More recreational amenities, parks, and trails
• Con: Less small-town community feel compared to Cedar Rapids
• Con: Moving farther from friends or family who live near Cedar Rapids
• Con: The larger city environment may feel busier or less personal

Moving Companies for Moving from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines, IA

If you’re set on moving to Des Moines, you might want some help from professional movers. Luckily, you have a lot of options. To get a realistic sense of what moving from Cedar Rapids 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	~$2,200	$0 (included)
All My Sons	~$3,069	$0 (included)
UniMovers	~$480	~$650 (total: $1,130)

Of course, the total cost of a move really depends on what kind of moving help you need. Some companies offered labor-only moving services, while others focused on just full-service moves, including transportation, giving a range of choices for different budgets depending on what you’re looking for.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to move from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines ultimately comes down to what you’re personally looking for out of your home city. Des Moines offers a larger job market, more entertainment options, and greater variety, so it’s extra appealing for those seeking new opportunities and a more dynamic city environment. Considering factors like cost of living, lifestyle, and general moving logistics can help you make a more informed choice. Whether you’re all in for Des Moines or thinking of sticking around in Cedar Rapids for a bit longer, understanding the trade-offs will make sure your choice is a satisfying one.

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