Best New Orleans to Des Moines Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from New Orleans to Des Moines and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,021 mile move from Louisiana to Iowa go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 12 New Orleans to Des Moines 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 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in New Orleans compared to Des Moines. 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 New Orleans to Des Moines Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Best Move Inc9.239.19Authorized For PropertyContact
3Bart's Office Inc.6.992.12Authorized For PropertyContact
4Two Men and a Truck6.876.35Authorized For HHGContact
5Northshore Moving Company5.287.29Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from New Orleans to Des Moines

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,021 miles from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA will cost on average $2,649 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom New Orleans to Des Moines move is roughly $6,366. 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$1,781300 ft³5.94
1 Bedroom$2,649450 ft³5.89
2 Bedrooms$4,378750 ft³5.84
3 Bedrooms$6,3661100 ft³5.79
4 Bedrooms$9,1801600 ft³5.74
5+ Bedrooms$10,2381800 ft³5.69
*Please note: These Louisiana to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Louisiana & Iowa. 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 LA to IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to New Orleans guide.

Compare the 5 Best New Orleans to Des Moines 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
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
2
Bart's Office Inc. Logo

Bart's Office Inc.

6.99/10
based on 47+ data points

2838 Elysian Fields Ave

New Orleans, LA, 70122

About Bart's Office Inc.

Bart's Office, founded in 1978, stands out in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area as a moving company that specializes in commercial...

Services

  • Full service commercial relocation
  • Installation/reconfiguration of cubical office space
  • Restaurant & Apartment appliance installation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2118069 / 739860

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

6.87/10
based on 1,663+ data points

5029 Bloomfield St

New Orleans, LA, 70121

About Two Men and a Truck

In just over 35 years of operation, Two Men and A Truck has come from humble beginnings to becoming one of...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2147737 / 746991

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved2,300,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Northshore Moving Company Logo

Northshore Moving Company

5.28/10
based on 137+ data points

1615 Poydras St Suite 900

New Orleans, LA, 70112

About Northshore Moving Company

With roots in Hammond, Louisiana, Northshore Moving Company has made its mark over the past 12 years by providing top-notch moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • White Glove Delivery
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2034397 / 714199

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved140,000 (2022)
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.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when moving to a city unfamiliar to you. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between New Orleans, LA & Des Moines, IA , focusing on mapping out similar areas in each city. By leveraging the neighborhoods you know and love as a baseline, this guide aims to help you find a new home that feels just right.

New OrleansDes MoinesHow They're Similar
Garden DistrictSouth of GrandStately homes, lush settings
French QuarterEast VillageVibrant nightlife, historic charm
UptownWaterburyLeafy streets, classic homes
MarignySherman HillEclectic and historic atmosphere
BywaterBeaverdaleBohemian vibes, artistic community
TremeDrake NeighborhoodRich history, cultural diversity
Warehouse DistrictWestern GatewayUrban living, contemporary art
Mid-CityHighland ParkCommunity-centric, diverse eateries
LakeviewWaveland ParkFamily-friendly, near parks
AudubonGreenwood HistoricQuiet, spacious parks

For newcomers from New Orleans exploring Des Moines, you'll delight in finding neighborhoods that not only mirror the charm of your old home but also offer unique Midwestern qualities. Picture the eclectic vibes of the Bywater, known for its bohemian lifestyle and artistic flair; you'll find a similar spirit in Beaverdale, with its community-centered atmosphere and local art scene. Those missing the lush, stately settings of the Garden District might find solace in South of Grand's beautiful historical homes set against verdant landscapes. If the vibrant nightlife and historic vistas of the French Quarter are what you're yearning for, East Village in Des Moines offers an enticing mix of entertainment options amidst buildings with rich history. Each Des Moines neighborhood, with its unique qualities, ensures you don't have to leave behind what you loved most about your New Orleans community.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from New Orleans to Des Moines

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA is a significant life decision. This comparison aims to lay out an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation . Through contrasting charts, you’ll get a clear picture of what each city offers and lacks, enabling you to weigh your options effectively.

CONs
PROs
New Orleans, LA iconNew Orleans, LA
  • Higher humidity
  • Frequent storms
  • Higher crime rates
  • Limited job diversity
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Lower humidity
  • Stable climate
  • Lower crime rates
  • Job diversity
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Quieter cultural scene
  • Fewer festivals
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Cold winters
New Orleans, LA iconNew Orleans, LA
  • Vibrant culture
  • Iconic festivals
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Warm winters

While New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant culture, reflected in iconic festivals like Mardi Gras, and diverse cuisine found in establishments like Café du Monde, Des Moines offers a different array of benefits. In Des Moines, you'll find a stable climate with a significantly lower humidity level, enhancing daily comfort. The city also boasts lower crime rates, providing a safer environment for its residents. Job seekers may find more diversity in career opportunities, notably in sectors like tech and renewable energy. Although Des Moines has a quieter cultural scene compared to New Orleans, it offers its own attractions, such as the Des Moines Art Center and the annual Des Moines Arts Festival, which showcases the city's growing artistic community. Despite the colder winters, the city's numerous parks, such as Gray’s Lake Park, provide year-round outdoor activities.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is a vital element of local culture and gives you a glimpse into what life is like in a new place. In this guide, we'll explore the differences in the culinary scenes of New Orleans, LA & Des Moines, IA to help you get a taste of what awaits in your new city.

New OrleansDes Moines
Most iconic local food itemGumboPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishJambalayaSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemBeignetsTaco Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodCreole TomatoesGrilled Veggie Skewers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Commander's Palace
  • Antoine's Restaurant
  • Café du Monde
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Centro
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from New Orleans to Des Moines, you'll discover a shift from the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole dishes to a hearty, comfort food-driven culinary scene. In New Orleans, staples like gumbo and beignets from iconic spots like Café du Monde offer a taste of the city's rich history and French influence. Transitioning to Des Moines, you'll find a different kind of comfort food, with iconic dishes such as the pork tenderloin sandwich. Des Moines' food scene, including places like Fong's Pizza, offers an eclectic mix of traditional and innovative cuisine, reflecting the city's growing diversity in palates and culinary experiences. While both cities offer a range of vegan options, New Orleans' Creole tomatoes and Des Moines' grilled veggie skewers highlight the fresh, local produce available.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

When moving to a new city, finding that go-to spot for your food cravings is crucial. This restaurant comparison chart between New Orleans and Des Moines aims to ease your transition by pinpointing where you can find flavors reminiscent of home. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic dishes, this guide will help you explore Des Moines with a taste of New Orleans in mind.

New OrleansDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
Commander's PalaceApostoHigh-end dining with a seasonal menu
Galatoire's801 ChophouseClassic steakhouse experience
Willie Mae's Scotch HouseBubbaSouthern comforts and fried chicken
CoquetteTable 128Contemporary bistro with innovative dishes
Pêche Seafood GrillHarbingerFocus on vegetable-forward plates
HerbsaintCentroItalian influences with a modern American twist
Bacchanal WineDjangoCasual European dining with an excellent wine selection
Cafe du MondeLa Mie BakeryIconic for breakfast and pastries
BayonaProofSeasonal menus with global inspiration
Domilise's Po-Boy & BarZombie Burger + Drink LabCreative takes on American classics

When embarking on your culinary journey in Des Moines, spaces like Aposto will remind you of Commander's Palace with its high-end, seasonal offerings. For a taste of the South, Bubba brings comfort food that channels the spirit of Willie Mae's Scotch House. Des Moines also boasts vibrant spots like Harbinger, where the focus on plant-based dishes echoes the innovation at Pêche Seafood Grill. And for those mornings when you miss the bustling atmosphere and beignets of Cafe du Monde, La Mie Bakery will welcome you with open arms and delicious pastries, crafting an experience that's both familiar and new.

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New Orleans vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, it's crucial to consider how real estate aspects stack up between your current city and your future home. This guide aims to compare New Orleans, LA, and Des Moines, IA, focusing on housing costs, architectural styles, walkability, among other factors, to give you a comprehensive overview.

ComparisonNew OrleansDes Moines
Typical Architecture StyleCreole and ColonialMid-Century Modern and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric properties, proximity to French QuarterFamily-friendly neighborhoods, easy commute

The contrasting characteristics of New Orleans and Des Moines provide various elements to consider during your move. New Orleans boasts a rich historical tapestry reflected in its architecture, notably in the Creole and Colonial styles prevalent in areas like the French Quarter. This lends the city a unique aesthetic and cultural vibrancy. In comparison, Des Moines offers Mid-Century Modern and Ranch-style homes that cater to modern tastes and family-friendly living. Walkability and bikeability scores reveal slight differences, with New Orleans edging out in walkability, attributed to its dense urban core, while Des Moines offers slightly better bikeability, perfect for those seeking a less congested, active lifestyle. This juxtaposition highlights the distinctive urban lifestyles, with New Orleans leaning more towards a vibrant, historical urban center and Des Moines presenting a balanced, family-geared environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Des Moines, IA

1. Beaverdale: Known for its charming brick homes and a strong sense of community, Beaverdale offers numerous parks and pet-friendly events making it an ideal place for you and your furry friend.

2. East Village: This eclectic area is not only rich in culture and shopping but also boasts several pet-friendly restaurants and shops, including East Village Pet Hospital for your pet's health needs.

3. Gray's Lake Park area: While not a neighborhood per se, the area around Gray's Lake Park is highly popular among pet owners for its spacious park, perfect for long walks, and the nearby residential areas offer a welcoming community for pet owners.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares between New Orleans, LA and Des Moines, IA is key to preparing for your new environment. This comparison will illuminate the fundamental differences in climate, helping you adjust more smoothly to your new home.

Summer icon
91°F / 75°F

New Orleans, LA

86°F / 65°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62°F / 47°F

New Orleans, LA

31°F / 14°F

Des Moines, IA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
62.7"

New Orleans, LA

36"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

New Orleans, LA

36"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew OrleansDes Moines
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsTornadoes, blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from New Orleans to Des Moines will introduce you to starkly different winter conditions. New Orleans' mild winters will give way to Des Moines' chilly temperatures and snowfall, requiring a wardrobe adjustment and possibly learning how to drive in snow. The summer heat is intense in both cities, though New Orleans typically experiences higher humidity levels, making it feel hotter. Adjusting to Des Moines might also mean preparing for new seasonal allergies, as different plants and temperatures can influence pollen and mold counts. Becoming acquainted with these weather changes will help ease your transition.

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

When relocating, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living in New Orleans compares with Des Moines, especially in terms of money and finance. This comparison will highlight the differences and similarities between the two cities, aiding in your financial planning for the move.

ComparisonNew OrleansDes Moines
Avg. Household Income$46,942$60,693
Cost of Living Index9690.9
State Income Tax2-6%0.33-8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.52%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax9.45%7%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Port, MusicInsurance, Finance, Government
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

Understanding the financial nuances between New Orleans and Des Moines can significantly influence your decision-making process for the move. For instance, the average household income is markedly higher in Des Moines, coupled with a substantially lower cost of living index, suggesting your dollar might stretch further in Iowa's capital. However, it's important to consider Des Moines' higher property tax rates, which could offset some savings for homeowners. The dominant industries also differ greatly, with New Orleans championing tourism and music, while Des Moines stands out in insurance and finance sectors, potentially influencing job opportunities. Ultimately, considering these factors will be critical in preparing for a smooth financial transition.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA, understanding the local landscape is crucial. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, highlighting the differences between the two cities to help you adjust seamlessly to your new surroundings.

New OrleansDes Moines
Political Make-upLiberal / DemocraticModerate, with a mix of Republican and Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on social issues, urban developmentEmphasizes community services, education
ReligionCatholicism predominateMixed Protestant and Catholic, diverse religious communities

In New Orleans, you're likely familiar with a more liberal political atmosphere, where urban development and social issues are at the forefront of local politics. The city's vibrancy is also deeply rooted in its Catholic traditions, influencing many aspects of daily life. In contrast, moving to Des Moines introduces you to a political landscape that balances moderate Republican and Democratic views. Local politics focus more on community services and education, reflecting the city's commitment to inclusivity and quality of life. Additionally, Des Moines boasts a diversity of religious perspectives, offering a mosaic of faith communities that mirror the city's multifaceted identity. This transition may present new opportunities to engage with differing viewpoints and cultures, enriching your experience in your new home.

New Orleans vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from New Orleans, LA to Des Moines, IA requires understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between New Orleans & Des Moines will help you better gauge what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonNew OrleansDes Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2419
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingDifficult

In New Orleans, while facing moderate traffic congestion, you have reasonable access to public transit options like buses and streetcars, which could make it feasible to get around without a car, albeit with some planning. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a more comfortable driving experience with lighter traffic congestion but relies more heavily on car ownership due to less robust public transit options. Understanding these dynamics can better prepare you for what to expect in your daily commute, whether it's adjusting to potentially longer travel times or planning for a car purchase if you didn't need one before.

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