Best Des Moines to Kansas City Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Kansas City and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 195 mile move from Iowa to Missouri go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Des Moines to Kansas City 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 $1,500 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Des Moines compared to Kansas City. 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 Kansas City 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 Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 3 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | God's Movers, LLC | 9.06 | 9.29 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Golden Rule Relocation | 8.98 | 8.75 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Des Moines to Kansas City
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 195 miles from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO will cost on average $1,947 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Kansas City move is roughly $4,649. 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 | $1,313 | 300 ft³ | 4.38 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,947 | 450 ft³ | 4.33 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,208 | 750 ft³ | 4.28 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,649 | 1100 ft³ | 4.23 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,683 | 1600 ft³ | 4.18 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,428 | 1800 ft³ | 4.13 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Kansas City to Des Moines guide.
Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Kansas City 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 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) |
God's Movers, LLC
11815 E 60 St
Kansas City, MO, 64133
About God's Movers, LLC
God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years....
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2417601 / 946280 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
Golden Rule Relocation
1600 Swift St # 200
North Kansas City, MO, 64116
About Golden Rule Relocation
Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Interstate Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3420954 / 1105839 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2022) |
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. Kansas City Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Kansas City, MO. This comparison will help you find a neighborhood in Kansas City that feels like home by drawing parallels to the communities you already love in Des Moines.
| Des Moines | Kansas City | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Westport | Historic, vibrant nightlife |
| Beaverdale | Brookside | Family-friendly, quaint shops |
| Waterbury | Waldo | Residential, similar community vibe |
| Sherman Hill | Hyde Park | Historic homes, sense of community |
| Waveland Park | Plaza Area | Parks, shopping, dining |
| Highland Park | Westside | Diverse, cultural mix |
| Drake | Volker | Near university, eclectic vibe |
| South of Grand | Country Club District | Upscale, historic |
| Ingersoll Park | Midtown | Urban, walkable, mixed-use |
| Roosevelt | Crossroads Arts District | Artistic, trendy |
For those charmed by the historic and vibrant East Village in Des Moines, Westport in Kansas City offers a similar bustling nightlife and historic charm, with venues like the Westport Saloon providing live music in an intimate setting. If Beaverdale’s scenic, family-oriented atmosphere captured your heart, Brookside’s tree-lined streets, and welcoming local businesses, such as the beloved Brookside Toy and Science store, echo this quaint charm. For those drawn to the influential arts scene in Roosevelt, the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City amplifies this with a vibrant collection of galleries, like the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, and trendy eateries, making it a haven for art lovers and creative minds alike.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Kansas City
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO brings with it a mix of changes. This comparison aims to give an honest reflection of both the good and bad attributes of this relocation. By examining the pros and cons, you'll be better prepared to make an informed decision about your move.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller City
- Fewer Job Opportunities
- Limited Nightlife
- Fewer Cultural Venues
- Less Diverse Dining
Kansas City, MO- Larger City
- More Job Opportunities
- Vibrant Nightlife
- Rich Cultural Scene
- Diverse Dining Options
Kansas City, MO- Higher Cost of Living
- Less Personal
- Noisier Environment
- More Traffic
- More Urban
Des Moines, IA- Lower Cost of Living
- Smaller, Tight-knit Community
- Quieter Neighborhoods
- Easy Navigation
- Close to Nature
Moving to Kansas City, MO, offers a significant shift, particularly in terms of job opportunities and cultural activities. The city's vibrant nightlife, showcased in areas like the Power & Light District, offers a plethora of dining and entertainment options. Additionally, Kansas City's rich cultural scene is evidenced by institutions such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. However, this transition also means adapting to a more urban lifestyle, potentially higher living expenses, and navigating busier streets. Places like Westport and the Country Club Plaza provide diverse dining experiences, from BBQ joints like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que to upscale dining options. Ultimately, while the move to Kansas City presents new opportunities, it also brings along challenges that are worth considering.
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Des Moines and Kansas City, we explore an essential aspect of local culture and living experience. Food is a pivotal part of understanding a new city's vibe, and this comparison will prepare you for the culinary journey ahead in your new home.
| Des Moines | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Barbecue Ribs |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop | Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Taco Trucks | BBQ Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | BBQ Cauliflower Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to Kansas City, you're stepping into a barbecue haven where smoked meats like brisket and ribs dominate the culinary scene. Iconic restaurants such as Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39 offer a perfect introduction to this rich food tradition. The city’s food truck scene is particularly vibrant, especially at events held in the lively Westport and Power & Light Districts, showcasing a diverse range of street foods including BBQ street tacos. Kansas City also caters well to the health-conscious and vegan community, with options like BBQ cauliflower wings becoming increasingly popular across a range of eateries.
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Restaurant Comparison
Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home in a new city. This comparison will help ease the transition by finding your new favorite spots, using your current dining loves in Des Moines to Kansas City as a reference.
| Des Moines | Kansas City | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Garozzo's | Both offer a sophisticated Italian dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients. |
| Alba | Novel | A contemporary American dining similarity, focusing on inventive plates and local produce. |
| Fong's Pizza | Waldo Pizza | Both mix unique flavors on pizzas, offering a creative twist to traditional favorites. |
| Zombie Burger | Westport Flea Market | Both famous for quirky, delicious burgers that come with a side of fun atmosphere. |
| Harbinger | Rye | Farm-to-table ethos match here, with both prized for their seasonal menus and innovative dishes. |
| Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop | Town Topic | An iconic diner experience, revered for classic American fare and a retro-vibe. |
| Django | Café Provence | A French bistro-style dining comparison, noted for their attention to authenticity and flavor. |
| La Mie Bakery | Heirloom Bakery & Hearth | Offering artisanal bread, pastries, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. |
| El Bait Shop | Beer Kitchen | Both specialize in a vast selection of beers paired with hearty, satisfying meals. |
| Skip’s | Classic Cup Café | Both are beloved for their upscale casual dining, serving gourmet dishes in a relaxed setting. |
In exploring the culinary scenes from Centro in Des Moines to Garozzo's in Kansas City, it’s clear that the passion for Italian cuisine translates well between cities, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and an intimate dining experience. Similarly, the transition from the innovative and quirky Zombie Burger to Westport Flea Market assures that unique, flavorful burgers remain a mainstay in your dining repertoire. Both cities boast establishments where creativity and quality intersect, offering delectable dishes that make new memories while reminiscing on the familiar flavors of home.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal element in relocating, and it's essential to understand how the housing markets of Des Moines and Kansas City stack up. This comparison sheds light on the cost, architecture, and lifestyle offerings of both cities, serving as an invaluable resource for making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Tudor Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious Backyards, Quiet Neighborhoods | Proximity to Entertainment, Modern Amenities |
When comparing housing between Des Moines and Kansas City, a few key aspects stand out. The median home prices and monthly rents are slightly higher in Kansas City, reflecting its larger urban atmosphere and the demand for housing in a more populous city. Architecture enthusiasts might find Kansas City's predilection for Tudor Revival interesting, a style that offers a distinct historical charm compared to the Colonial Revival homes commonly found in Des Moines. Additionally, Kansas City scores higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, suggesting a cityscape that's slightly more conducive to an active, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. These differences are echoed in real estate listings, where Kansas City homes often boast about their proximity to entertainment and modern amenities, contrasting with Des Moines’ emphasis on spacious backyards and quiet neighborhoods.
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Weather Considerations
Understanding the climate differences between your current location and where you're moving to is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to shed light on how the weather in Des Moines, IA, and Kansas City, MO, will affect you, focusing on various climate aspects to help you prepare for your new environment.
Des Moines, IA
Kansas City, MO
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Kansas City, MO
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Kansas City, MO
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Kansas City, MO
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Severe Storms, Tornadoes | Severe Storms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Des Moines to Kansas City, you'll notice slight differences in weather patterns that could influence your daily life. Kansas City typically enjoys more days of sunshine and milder winters, with higher average high temperatures during the summer. The difference in humidity levels could also make Kansas City's air feel less heavy, potentially impacting those sensitive to seasonal allergies. Additionally, Kansas City gets less snowfall than Des Moines, which could influence your winter preparations and activities.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Kansas City
When considering a move from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're entering. How will Des Moines and Kansas City compare in terms of money and finance? This comparison aims to prepare you for the economic environment awaiting at your new location.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $63,396 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 97.8 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 5.4% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 1.2% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 8.6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Health Care | Manufacturing, Health Care, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Medium |
| Homelessness | Low | Medium |
In moving from Des Moines to Kansas City, you'll encounter differences that impact your wallet. Notably, the cost of living in Kansas City is slightly higher, but the state income tax rate is more favorable when compared to Des Moines. While average household incomes are higher in Des Moines, Kansas City boasts a rich diversity in its top industries, possibly offering a wider range of employment opportunities. Additionally, Kansas City's sales tax is higher, which could affect day-to-day expenses. Understanding these financial aspects is crucial for planning a smooth transition and managing your expectations and budget effectively in your new city.
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome to our quick, insightful comparison aimed at providing you with a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents moving from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO. This comparison will help you understand the community and cultural landscape you're transitioning into.
| Des Moines | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive Policies on Local Issues | Mixed, with strong focus on economic development |
| Religion | Christian Dominance with Growing Diversity | Christian Dominance with Significant Diversity |
Exploring the landscapes of Des Moines, IA, and Kansas City, MO reveals interesting parallels and contrasts, especially in their political and religious makeups. Both cities lean Democratic, reflecting a progressive attitude towards governance on a broader scale. However, the nature of their local politics diverges; Des Moines generally adopts progressive policies on local issues, indicating a preference for liberal approaches to community challenges. On the other hand, Kansas City showcases a mixed political climate with a strong emphasis on economic development, suggesting perhaps a more centrist or pragmatic approach to addressing local needs. Religious presence in both cities is dominantly Christian but interestingly, both areas are experiencing growing religious diversity, pointing towards an increasingly multicultural community fabric. This diversity enriches the cultural experiences and social networks in both cities, offering newcomers a tapestry of communities to join and understand.
Des Moines vs. Kansas City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
In planning your move, comparing the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Kansas City will help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like in these cities. This comparison aims to prepare you for the differences you'll face on the road.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Possible, but inconvenient |
While Des Moines and Kansas City share similarities, they also have notable differences in their daily commute experiences. Des Moines generally offers a faster commute with less traffic congestion but has more limited public transit options compared to Kansas City. Kansas City's higher score in public transit availability is thanks to services like the KC Streetcar and extensive bus system, making it slightly more feasible to get around without a car, though still challenging in suburbs. Understanding these dynamics can help you better prepare for your move and daily life in your new city.
Additional Resources
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Popular Des Moines to Missouri Routes
Popular Moving Resources
