Best Des Moines to Cincinnati Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Des Moines to Cincinnati and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 587 mile move from Iowa to Ohio go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Des Moines to Cincinnati 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 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Des Moines compared to Cincinnati. 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.

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Best Des Moines to Cincinnati Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Sebastian Moving SW Ohio9.259.56Authorized For HHGContact
3Best Move Inc9.239.19Authorized For PropertyContact
4Robinson Relocations9.239.42Authorized For HHGContact
5Hemmen Moving9.109.47Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Des Moines to Cincinnati

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 587 miles from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH will cost on average $2,280 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Cincinnati move is roughly $5,464. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,535300 ft³5.12
1 Bedroom$2,280450 ft³5.07
2 Bedrooms$3,763750 ft³5.02
3 Bedrooms$5,4641100 ft³4.97
4 Bedrooms$7,8681600 ft³4.92
5+ Bedrooms$8,7621800 ft³4.87
*Please note: These Iowa to Ohio moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Ohio. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IA to OH mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines guide.

Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Cincinnati Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Sebastian Moving SW Ohio Logo

Sebastian Moving SW Ohio

Exceptional9.25/10
based on 593+ data points

8672 US-22

Sabina, OH, 45169

About Sebastian Moving SW Ohio

Let the experts at Sebastian Moving SW Ohio take care of your next home or office move. This top-rated moving company...

Services

  • Full Service Moves in South West Ohio
  • Packing and Unpacking
  • Loading & Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3491560 / 1243683

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Best Move Inc Logo

Best Move Inc

Exceptional9.23/10
based on 520+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Robinson Relocations Logo

Robinson Relocations

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.23/10
based on 854+ data points

6320 Madison Rd

Cincinnati, OH, 45227

About Robinson Relocations

Robinson Relocations is a professional moving company providing services in Cincinnati, OH, and Tampa, FL, with a priority to exceed clients'...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3320340 / 1056379

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Hemmen Moving Logo

Hemmen Moving

Exceptional9.10/10
based on 621+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

608245 / 292343

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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. Cincinnati Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. To ease the transition, we've prepared a comparison of local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Cincinnati, OH. This guide will help you find a Cincinnati neighborhood with the familiar charm and character of your Des Moines favorite, ensuring you feel at home in no time.

Des MoinesCincinnatiHow They're Similar
East VillageOver-the-RhineVibrant arts scene and historic architecture
BeaverdaleHyde ParkCharming homes and family-friendly vibe
DrakeCliftonCollege town atmosphere with diverse dining options
Sherman HillMount AdamsPicturesque views and tight-knit community feel
Waveland ParkMount LookoutLively nightlife and outdoor activities
Highland ParkNorth AvondaleHistoric homes and beautiful streetscapes
IngersollO'BryonvilleEclectic shopping and artsy atmosphere
WaterburyAnderson TownshipSpacious homes and strong community ties
South of GrandMariemontOld-world charm with planned architecture and green spaces
River BendColumbia TusculumHistoric homes with modern conveniences

For those transitioning from Des Moines' East Village with its lively arts scene, Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine offers a comparable experience, rich in culture and history. With similar historic architecture and an abundance of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, you'll feel right at home. If you're moving from Beaverdale and love the local, family-friendly atmosphere, you'll find Hyde Park's leafy streets, and variety of dining options from upscale establishments like Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse to casual spots like Arthur's, equally charming. Moreover, for outdoor enthusiasts, Waveland Park's appeal can be matched by Mount Lookout, where you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife and activities around Mount Lookout Square and the nearby Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Finding a new neighborhood in Cincinnati with the familiar character of your Des Moines favorite can make your move feel like you're just finding a new favorite spot in your old city.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Cincinnati

Moving from one city to another is a major decision that warrants a thorough examination of what you're leaving behind and what awaits. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH , providing a balanced perspective to help you navigate your decision with clarity.

CONs
PROs
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Smaller city
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lower culinary variety
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Larger city
  • More diversity
  • More job opportunities
  • Greater culinary variety
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busier lifestyle
  • Less open spaces
  • More impersonal
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • More open spaces
  • Stronger community feel

While Des Moines offers a quieter lifestyle with more open spaces such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Cincinnati brims with a vibrant energy seen in its Over-the-Rhine district, known for its historic architecture, and Findlay Market for diverse culinary experiences. With Cincinnati's bustling scene, you'll find more job opportunities, especially in burgeoning tech and health sectors. The city isn't short of green spaces either, with Eden Park and Smale Riverfront Park offering cityscape views amidst nature. Yes, it might come with a slightly higher cost of living, but the trade-off is access to a richer, more diverse cultural scene and a larger city life without overwhelming density.

Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Cincinnati explores food as a pivotal aspect of cultural identity and everyday living. Gaining insight into the local food scene will help you grasp what to expect culinary-wise in your new city.

Des MoinesCincinnati
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichCincinnati Chili
Most popular meat dishIowa ChopGoetta
Most popular street food itemTacosBratwurst
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenVegan Skyline Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Zombie Burger
  • Fong’s Pizza
  • Jethro’s BBQ
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Des Moines, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich represents the quintessence of local comfort food, a must-try for anyone new to the area. Many head to Zombie Burger for creative takes on American classics. Similarly, Cincinnati offers its unique culinary treasure, Cincinnati Chili. This dish can be consumed in various ways but is most traditionally served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Places like Camp Washington Chili have been serving up this local favorite for decades, drawing residents and visitors alike for an authentic taste of the city's culinary heritage. Both cities pride themselves on welcoming food lovers with diverse and dynamic food scenes.

Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Restaurant Comparison

Finding culinary comforts in a new city can make the transition feel more like coming home. This restaurant comparison of Des Moines to Cincinnati is designed to help you discover eateries where you can relish familiar flavors or explore new ones, using your current favorites as a guide. From casual dining spots to foodie havens, we've got you covered.

Des MoinesCincinnatiWhat You'll Love
A DongPho Lang ThangBoth offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
BubbaThe Eagle OTRComfort food and Southern classics in a relaxed, inviting setting mirror each other.
CentroVia ViteCentro's Italian fare finds its match in Via Vite's fresh, contemporary approach to Italian cuisine.
ProofBocaBoth are upscale dining options offering innovative and meticulously crafted dishes.
Zombie Burger + Drink LabTerry's Turf ClubAlthough Terry's leans more towards burgers and neon lights, the unique atmosphere is comparable.
La Mie BakeryBlue Oven BakeryArtisanal bakery goods that match La Mie's in quality and variety, specializing in bread and pastries.
Fong's PizzaA TavolaBoth bring a creative twist to pizza with unique toppings and a cozy atmosphere.
HarbingerSenContemporary small plates with a focus on locally sourced ingredients offer a similar dining experience.
AlbaSalazarBoth restaurants offer an inventive menu with a focus on modern American cuisine and creative plating.
Jethro’s BBQEli's BBQBoth are beloved for their smoked meats and laid-back, friendly vibe, making them go-to spots for BBQ lovers.

The culinary landscapes of Des Moines and Cincinnati are both rich and varied, offering experiences that can satisfy any palate. For instance, A Tavola in Cincinnati serves up inventive pizzas that are reminiscent of the creative toppings found at Fong's Pizza in Des Moines, focusing on quality ingredients and a cozy dining experience. Meanwhile, fans of artisanal baked goods will appreciate the similarities between La Mie Bakery and Blue Oven Bakery, where the dedication to the craft of baking shines through in every loaf and pastry. Whether you're in the mood for upscale dining like you'd find at Proof or Boca, or craving the comfort of a great burger from spots like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab and Terry's Turf Club, you'll find these culinary parallels make exploring the Cincinnati dining scene feel like a continuation of your Des Moines favorites.

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Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the moving process, necessitating a comparison between Des Moines, IA, and Cincinnati, OH to understand their real estate landscapes better. Evaluating aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle amenities will provide a clearer picture for potential movers.

ComparisonDes MoinesCincinnati
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchItalianate, Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsHistoric details, River views

While Delving deeper into the realms of Des Moines and Cincinnati's housing markets, a notable contrast emerges particularly in architectural styles and urban lifestyle scores, underscored by each city's unique character. Des Moines favors colonial and ranch-style homes amidst more sprawling, tranquil neighborhoods, indicating a preference for spaciousness and peace. In contrast, Cincinnati's historic Italianate and Victorian architectures offer a blend of character and history, often highlighted by captivating river views, which cater to those who cherish urban vibrancy and walkable neighborhoods. These distinctions are crucial for determining the living environment you're seeking, whether it leans towards the serene realms of Des Moines or the bustling, historic streets of Cincinnati.

Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Weather Considerations

When relocating, it’s crucial to know how your new city's climate compares to what you’re accustomed to. This guide offers a detailed look at the weather differences between Des Moines, IA, and Cincinnati, OH, highlighting key aspects like temperature, sunshine, and more to ease your transition.

Summer icon
85/65

Des Moines, IA

87/66

Cincinnati, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31/14

Des Moines, IA

39/23

Cincinnati, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36

Des Moines, IA

42

Cincinnati, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33

Des Moines, IA

22

Cincinnati, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDes MoinesCincinnati
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparing Des Moines and Cincinnati, you'll find both cities have considerable humidity and are susceptible to tornadoes and floods. Notably, Cincinnati experiences slightly warmer winters and fewer sunny days than Des Moines, which might be of importance if you favor mild winters or lots of sunshine. Air quality in Des Moines is generally good, while Cincinnati's is moderate, possibly affecting those with respiratory issues. Additionally, Cincinnati sees more rainfall annually but less snowfall than Des Moines, influencing your outdoor activities and how you prepare for different seasons.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Cincinnati

When contemplating a move from Des Moines, IA to Cincinnati, OH, understanding the financial landscape of your new city is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and income levels between Des Moines and Cincinnati can help you make an informed decision and prepare for your relocation.

ComparisonDes MoinesCincinnati
Avg. Household Income$60,693$42,733
Cost of Living Index90.993.8
State Income Tax4.4 - 8.53%0 - 4.797%
Avg. Property Tax1.5%1.62%
Avg. Sales Tax7%7.8%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, HealthcareFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowNoticeable

While both Des Moines and Cincinnati boast vibrant economies powered by the finance and healthcare industries, Des Moines reflects a slightly higher average household income. However, Cincinnati's cost of living isn't significantly higher, despite a modest difference in income. Tax structures vary notably between these cities, impacting take-home pay. For example, Cincinnati residents benefit from lower state income tax rates. Also, consider the social aspects; Des Moines reports lower poverty and homelessness rates, suggesting a difference in social dynamics. Understanding these intricacies can be vital for your financial planning and quality of life in your new city.

Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Des Moines & Cincinnati , offering insight into the political and religious make-up of the populations. Understanding these nuances can assist in adjusting to your new surroundings more comfortably.

Des MoinesCincinnati
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed urban and suburban influencesUrban, with significant community involvement
ReligionProtestant-majority, with Catholic and Non-religious communitiesStrong Catholic presence, alongside Protestant and Jewish communities

When moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH, you'll find both cities have a Democratic inclination, but Cincinnati presents a stronger Democratic presence. This difference reflects the cities' local political landscapes—Des Moines being a blend of urban and suburban political interests, whereas Cincinnati boasts a robustly urban environment with vast community involvement. On the religious front, although both cities embrace diverse faith communities, Cincinnati showcases a more pronounced Catholic presence, contrasting Des Moines' Protestant majority. These differences, embraced warmly by each city, contribute to the distinctive cultural and community feel you'll experience.

Des Moines vs. Cincinnati Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Cincinnati, OH, requires understanding the significant differences in transportation and commuting. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Cincinnati will help you navigate your new city and plan your daily routes effectively.

ComparisonDes MoinesCincinnati
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingManageable

Moving from Des Moines to Cincinnati, you'll find the average commute time slightly longer, and traffic congestion more pronounced. Cincinnati offers better public transit options, which include the Cincinnati Bell Connector, Metro bus services, and the streetcar system, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. While Des Moines provides basic public transit services, its comparatively lower score reflects the city's more car-dependent lifestyle. Adjusting to these differences can greatly influence your daily life and mobility in Cincinnati, providing a more diverse range of transportation options.

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