Best Des Moines to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,747 mile move from Iowa to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 42 Des Moines to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Des Moines compared to Los Angeles. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Des Moines to Los Angeles Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Moving Pro, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.01 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 5 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Des Moines to Los Angeles
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,747 miles from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $3,267 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Los Angeles move is roughly $7,876. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,193 | 300 ft³ | 7.31 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,267 | 450 ft³ | 7.26 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,407 | 750 ft³ | 7.21 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,876 | 1100 ft³ | 7.16 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $11,375 | 1600 ft³ | 7.11 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $12,707 | 1800 ft³ | 7.06 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines guide.
Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Los Angeles Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Adamantine Spine Moving
2815 36th St
Des Moines, IA, 50310
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Moving Pro, Inc.
557 Vernon Ave
Venice, CA, 90291
About Moving Pro, Inc.
Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Car Transportation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1864442 / 675888 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 26,800 (2023) |
Best Move Inc
Burlington, IA, 52601
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 749231 / 376435 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,976 (2022) |
Hemmen Moving
1293 W Ave
Ames, IA, 50014
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and...
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 608245 / 292343 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 604,536 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. To help ease this transition, we've created a comparison guide that aligns Des Moines, IA & Los Angeles, CA neighborhoods . This comparison aims to help you find a neighborhood in Los Angeles that mirrors the vibe and amenities of your favorite Des Moines locale, making the City of Angels feel a bit more like home.
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Silver Lake | Indie shops, creative vibe |
| Beaverdale | Studio City | Family-friendly, suburban feel |
| Sherman Hill | Los Feliz | Historic homes, artistic community |
| Drake | Westwood | College town atmosphere, lively |
| Waveland Park | Encino | Quiet residential areas, parks |
| Highland Park | Eagle Rock | Diverse, community-focused |
| South of Grand | Brentwood | Upscale, spacious homes |
| Ingersoll Park | Los Feliz | Vibrant nightlife, historic charm |
| Roosevelt | Atwater Village | Trendy eateries, walkable |
| Gray's Lake | Marina Del Rey | Waterfront activities, scenic views |
If you're drawn to the artistic and indie vibe of East Village in Des Moines, you'll find a similar spirit in Silver Lake, known for its indie music scene, eclectic coffee shops like Intelligentsia Coffee, and vibrant murals that adorn the streets. For those who cherish the historic homes and sense of community in Sherman Hill, Los Feliz offers an artistic enclave with landmarks such as the iconic Griffith Observatory and the historic Vista Theatre. Meanwhile, the waterfront activities and scenic views at Gray's Lake can be similarly enjoyed in Marina Del Rey, where weekends can be spent exploring the marina or dining at waterside restaurants like Salt Restaurant & Bar. Each Los Angeles neighborhood brings its unique flair while maintaining comforting similarities with your Des Moines favorites.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this significant change, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation. The charts aim to balance each city's shortcomings with its advantages, presenting a clear overview to guide your move.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller job market
- Fewer entertainment options
- Cold winters
- Less diverse cuisine
Los Angeles, CA- Diverse job opportunities
- Vibrant nightlife
- Warm climate
- World-class dining
Los Angeles, CA- High cost of living
- Tighter living spaces
- More impersonal
- Heavy traffic
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Spacious living
- Community feel
- Lower traffic levels
Moving from the community-oriented, spacious living environment of Des Moines to the bustling, dynamic lifestyle of Los Angeles offers a drastic change in scenery and pace. In Los Angeles, you’ll have access to world-class dining options like Bestia for Italian cuisine or n/naka for an exquisite Japanese dining experience. Moreover, the city is speckled with breathtaking sites such as Griffith Park and the iconic Hollywood Sign that provide countless outdoor activities and cultural experiences. However, the transition also means adapting to a more hectic lifestyle, underscored by the dense traffic around areas like the 405 freeway, and navigating the higher costs associated with urban living in popular neighborhoods such as Silver Lake or Santa Monica. This move offers an enticing blend of professional opportunities and a richer, more diverse cultural landscape, albeit with its set of challenges, including the higher cost of living and smaller living spaces.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Food Guide
Understanding local cuisine is essential to getting a true sense of the area you're moving to. Food is an integral part of local culture and daily life. This is why we're providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Los Angeles, so you can better grasp the culinary scene of your new home.
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Street Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Breaded Pork Cutlets | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Sweet Corn | Food Trucks Various |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetarian Chili | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Los Angeles, you're entering a haven for food lovers. The street tacos, found in neighborhoods like Echo Park and Venice, are an absolute must-try for any food enthusiast. While Des Moines is renowned for its pork tenderloin sandwich, LA boasts a diverse food scene with influences from around the globe, including the Korean BBQ in Koreatown and iconic vegan options like avocado toast in cafes throughout the city. Los Angeles's food truck scene is unmatched, offering a dizzying array of cuisines on virtually every corner. For a true taste of local flavor, Guelaguetza Restaurante in Koreatown is celebrated for its Oaxacan dishes, and the legendary Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles offers a soul food experience like no other.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison
Finding your culinary comforts in a new city is essential for feeling at home. This restaurant comparison between Des Moines and Los Angeles will guide you to your next favorite dining spots, using your familiar Des Moines favorites as a beacon.
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Osteria Mozza | High-quality Italian dining experience |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Stout Burgers & Beers | Creative burgers and craft beers |
| Fong’s Pizza | Pizzanista! | Unique pizza flavors and vegan options |
| La Mie Bakery | Republique | Exceptional pastries and french cuisine |
| Jethro’s BBQ | Bludso’s Bar & Que | Authentic BBQ with a Los Angeles twist |
| Tasty Tacos | Guerrilla Tacos | Innovative tacos with gourmet ingredients |
| A Dong Restaurant | Little Sister | Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist |
| El Bait Shop | Golden Road Brewing | Large selection of craft beers and laid-back atmosphere |
| Smokey D’s BBQ | Barrel & Ashes | Cozy BBQ place with a Southern California flair |
| 801 Chophouse | Mastro's Steakhouse | For an upscale dining experience and prime steaks |
When you arrive in Los Angeles and find yourself missing the diverse and flavorful dishes of Des Moines, let this guide lead you to outstanding local counterparts. For example, if you loved the unique creations at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, you're sure to enjoy Stout Burgers & Beers where the menu is filled with inventive burgers that defy the norm, accompanied by an impressive selection of craft beers. Similarly, aficionados of Jethro’s BBQ in Des Moines will find solace and satisfaction at Bludso’s Bar & Que in LA, which marries traditional BBQ techniques with the vibrant culinary scene of Los Angeles. These establishments reflect not just the flavors but also the spirit and atmosphere of your Des Moines favorites, making the transition to your new city a delicious journey.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a critical aspect of your move, understanding how Des Moines and Los Angeles compare can help make a better decision. This comparison focuses on housing essentials such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle to ensure you understand the unique qualities of each city.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Modern, Spanish Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Proximity to amenities, Ocean views |
When considering a move from Des Moines to Los Angeles, the stark differences in housing costs stand out immediately. Homes in L.A. are significantly more expensive, reflecting the city's high demand and vibrant real estate market. However, this price comes with benefits such as greater walkability, which can improve your daily lifestyle by making it easier to get around without a car. Additionally, Los Angeles offers unique architectural styles, incorporating elements such as Spanish Colonial Revival, that add to the city's charm and appeal. These aspects, combined with a higher urban lifestyle score, indicate that Los Angeles provides a more dynamic and diverse living environment though at a higher cost.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.
2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA, it's crucial to understand the changes in weather you'll experience. This comparison gives you a clear view of how the climates differ, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment. Let's dive into how Des Moines weather stacks up against Los Angeles.
Des Moines, IA
Los Angeles, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Los Angeles, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Winter storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles, you'll notice a drastic change in winter temperatures, with Los Angeles offering much milder winters compared to the chilly, often snowy weather in Des Moines. The abundance of sunny days in Los Angeles is a significant shift from Des Moines, allowing for more outdoor activities year-round. Additionally, while Des Moines experiences more traditional seasons, Los Angeles has a moderate climate but does face unique challenges such as earthquakes and wildfires. Adapting to the different environmental conditions, including changes in air quality and allergens, will be part of making Los Angeles your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Los Angeles
When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand the financial differences you'll encounter. This comparison focuses on moving from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA , highlighting the essential money and finance aspects to consider, ensuring you're well-prepared for the transition.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $70,372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.56% | 0.73% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 9.5% |
| Top 3 Industries | Insurance, Finance, Manufacturing | Entertainment, Aerospace, Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Significant |
While Des Moines boasts a higher average household income compared to Los Angeles, the cost of living in California's bustling city is notably higher, particularly when it comes to housing and overall expenses. This juxtaposition reflects how earnings in Los Angeles might not stretch as far as one might initially think, despite the city's allure and higher wage offerings in certain sectors. Additionally, the stark contrasts in state income and sales tax rates further underline the financial adjustments required when moving to Los Angeles. Keep in mind, Los Angeles' diverse and dynamic economy, with its leading industries in entertainment, aerospace, and technology, could open new career paths not as readily available in Des Moines.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison
In considering a move from Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA, it’s revealing to compare the politics between Des Moines & Los Angeles alongside the religious landscapes. This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities, helping you to understand the communities you're moving from and to.
| Des Moines | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate, with bipartisan initiatives | Progressive, with focus on social and environmental issues |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Highly diverse, with Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and others |
The transition from Des Moines to Los Angeles will introduce you to a more progressive political landscape, reflecting in both the electoral choices and the local governmental focus on social and environmental issues. Contrastingly, while Des Moines trends Democratic, it has a more moderate political environment with a mix of bipartisan efforts. Religious diversity in Los Angeles is prodigious, offering a wide array of communities compared to Des Moines. This includes larger communities of Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist residents among others, truly reflecting the cosmopolitan makeup of the city.
Des Moines vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Los Angeles, CA, it's essential to understand the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This will help you better understand what to expect in terms of your daily commute and traffic conditions.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Possible but challenging |
When comparing Des Moines to Los Angeles, you'll find significant differences in day-to-day commuting experiences. Des Moines offers a relatively smooth commuting experience, with an average commute time significantly shorter than that of Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles has a slightly better public transit system, rated 7 out of 10, compared to Des Moines' 6, making it somewhat more feasible to navigate the city without a car, though it remains challenging. Traffic congestion is another major difference, with Los Angeles experiencing higher levels of congestion, symbolizing the city's dense urban sprawl and heavy reliance on freeway systems for transportation.
Additional Resources
Des Moines Moving Services
Popular Des Moines to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources
