Best Newark to Des Moines Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Newark to Des Moines and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,132 mile move from New Jersey to Iowa go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 53 Newark to Des Moines moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is JP Urban 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 Newark 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 Newark to Des Moines Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1JP Urban Moving9.859.78Authorized For HHGContact
2Flex Moving and Storage9.689.74Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Solidarity Movers9.689.76Authorized For HHGContact
4Adamantine Spine Moving9.529.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Best Move Inc9.229.19Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Newark to Des Moines

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,132 miles from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA will cost on average $2,744 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Newark to Des Moines move is roughly $6,597. 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$1,844300 ft³6.15
1 Bedroom$2,744450 ft³6.10
2 Bedrooms$4,536750 ft³6.05
3 Bedrooms$6,5971100 ft³6.00
4 Bedrooms$9,5161600 ft³5.95
5+ Bedrooms$10,6151800 ft³5.90
*Please note: These New Jersey to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New Jersey & 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 NJ to IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Newark guide.

Compare the 5 Best Newark to Des Moines Movers

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

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Flex Moving and Storage Logo

Flex Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,380+ data points

276 Greenpoint Ave 287, Suite

Brooklyn, NY, 11222

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Solidarity Movers Logo

Solidarity Movers

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 2,319+ data points

251 Himrod St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Solidarity Movers

New York is a big city, and residents need a reliable company to help them move. That’s where Solidarity Movers’ five-star...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3519325 / 1167577

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.52/10
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
4
Best Move Inc Logo

Best Move Inc

Exceptional9.22/10
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
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.

Newark vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA can be daunting, but by comparing neighborhoods, you can better familiarize yourself with your new city. Here, we’ll explore the similarities between popular neighborhoods in Newark, NJ & Des Moines, IA to make your transition smoother.

NewarkDes MoinesHow They're Similar
IronboundEast VillageVibrant nightlife and dining options
Forest HillBeaverdaleHistorical homes and leafy streets
DowntownDowntownBusiness district, arts, and culture
WeequahicSouth Des MoinesDiverse community and green spaces
Upper RosevilleWaveland ParkResidential charm and quiet streets
VailsburgDrake Neighborhoodsmix of historic and new homes
University HeightsDrake UniversityProximity to university and student life
BroadwayRiver BendSimilar cultural vibes and historic district
Lincoln ParkGreenwood ParkAmple green spaces and family-friendly
Springfield/BelmontKing IrvingUrban feel yet residential

If you enjoy the vibrant nightlife and dining options of Ironbound in Newark, you'll feel right at home in Des Moines' East Village, where popular spots like Zombie Burger and Raygun await you. For those who appreciate the historical homes and leafy streets of Forest Hill, Beaverdale offers charming bungalows and a welcoming community. Downtown Newark’s business district and cultural activities find their match in downtown Des Moines, offering attractions like the Des Moines Art Center and numerous local eateries. Lastly, families relocating from Lincoln Park to Greenwood Park will love the vast green spaces including Greenwood Park, featuring scenic trails and picnic areas.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Newark to Des Moines

Moving from any city can be a major life decision, and the purpose of this comparison is to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA .

CONs
PROs
Newark, NJ iconNewark, NJ
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • Heavy Traffic
  • Crime Rates
  • Air Quality
  • Noise Pollution
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • More Affordable Housing
  • Less Traffic
  • Lower Crime Rates
  • Cleaner Air
  • Quieter Environment
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Fewer Cultural Events
  • Less Diverse Job Market
  • Limited Public Transit
  • More Isolated
  • Fewer Universities
Newark, NJ iconNewark, NJ
  • Rich Cultural Scene
  • More Job Opportunities
  • Public Transportation
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Educational Institutions

Relocating from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA offers a trade-off between various lifestyle factors. In Des Moines, you might appreciate the quieter environment and lower crime rates, which make neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Drake Neighborhood particularly inviting. Housing affordability is a major plus, with opportunities for more spacious living at a fraction of the cost in Newark. Don't miss out on unique eateries like Lucca and recreational activities at Gray's Lake Park. However, you may find fewer job opportunities within certain professional fields and limited public transportation options, making car ownership more necessary.

Newark vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the local cuisine between Newark & Des Moines so you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

NewarkDes Moines
Most iconic local food itemPortuguese Egg TartsPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishPortuguese BBQ ChickenSteak de Burgo
Most popular street food itemHot Dogs from cart vendorsTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan FalafelVegan Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ferreira Café
  • Spanish Tavern
  • Takano Sushi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Newark offers a rich culinary scene, heavily influenced by its Portuguese community. You can find mouth-watering Portuguese egg tarts and BBQ chicken in the Ironbound neighborhood. Meanwhile, Des Moines boasts the famous Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a thriving food truck culture, especially around the East Village area. Iconic restaurants like 801 Chophouse and Fong's Pizza highlight the diverse food scene in Des Moines. Whether you're enjoying Newark's Portuguese delights or Des Moines' hearty Midwestern fare, both cities offer unique culinary experiences worth exploring.

Newark vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Food is important for making an area home. This restaurant comparison will help someone find their new favorite eateries by using their current hometown as a guide. Whether you're leaving the bustling city of Newark, NJ, or moving into the charming city of Des Moines, IA, this guide helps you find common ground through great dining experiences.

NewarkDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
Forno's of SpainRocaUpscale Spanish cuisine with a modern twist
Seabra's MarisqueiraPort of Des MoinesKnown for their remarkable seafood
Hobby's Delicatessen & RestaurantJason's DeliClassic deli fare that hits the spot
Casa d'PacoBaru 66A tapas experience with an eclectic twist
Don Pepe RestaurantAlbaAuthentic Spanish dishes in a friendly locale
Hell's Kitchen LoungeThe BelongilA perfect blend of casual dining and nightlife
Fernandez Steakhouse801 ChophouseSteak lovers' paradise
Dinosaur Bar-B-QueSmokey D’s BBQTop-notch barbecue dishes
Redd's BiergartenExtra InningsA beer garden with a casual vibe
Sol-Mar RestaurantCooper's TavernPortuguese dishes with a rustic feel

If you enjoy the high-end Spanish dishes at Forno's of Spain in Newark, you'll find Roca in Des Moines equally delightful with its elegant take on Spanish cuisine. Craving seafood? Port of Des Moines offers a unique seafood experience akin to Seabra's Marisqueira. Those who love casual, late-night venues like Hell's Kitchen Lounge will feel right at home at The Belongil with its mix of laid-back dining and lively atmosphere. And for a taste of excellent barbecue, head to Smokey D’s BBQ, where the tantalizing flavors will remind you of Newark's iconic Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

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Newark vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how the housing options in Newark, NJ compare to those in Des Moines, IA .

ComparisonNewarkDes Moines
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCraftsman, Mid-Century Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to NYC, historic featuresSpacious backyards, modern amenities

When comparing the housing markets of Newark and Des Moines, the median home prices in Newark are significantly higher, partly due to its proximity to New York City. Des Moines, on the other hand, offers more affordable housing with modern amenities and spacious backyards often highlighted in listings. While Newark's architecture is adorned with Colonial and Victorian styles, Des Moines features a mix of Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern homes. Both cities have their strengths in urban lifestyle, but Newark takes the lead with better walkability scores thanks to its extensive public transportation links and urban density.

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.

Newark vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather varies between Newark, NJ and Des Moines, IA is crucial if you're moving from one location to another. The weather comparison between Newark and Des Moines will help you prepare for different climates and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Summer icon
85 / 68

Newark, NJ

86 / 65

Des Moines, IA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40 / 25

Newark, NJ

32 / 14

Des Moines, IA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48

Newark, NJ

36

Des Moines, IA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
25

Newark, NJ

33

Des Moines, IA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNewarkDes Moines
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanesTornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Newark to Des Moines, you can expect slightly cooler winter temperatures, with Des Moines experiencing average lows around 14°F compared to Newark’s 25°F. Both cities enjoy a good amount of sunshine annually, though Newark edges out with a few more sunny days. Des Moines tends to have lower annual humidity levels, making summers there feel less sticky than in Newark. Be prepared for different natural disasters; while Newark is prone to hurricanes, Des Moines experiences tornadoes.

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

If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This comparison will help you plan your budget and finances more effectively as you make the transition from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA.

ComparisonNewarkDes Moines
Avg. Household Income$43,242$60,693
Cost of Living Index129.790.9
State Income Tax10.75%8.53%
Avg. Property Tax2.44%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6.625%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Transportation, RetailFinancial Services, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceVariableModerate
PovertyHighLow
HomelessnessSignificantMinimal

Moving from Newark to Des Moines will have a significant impact on your financial situation. On average, household incomes in Des Moines are notably higher, while the cost of living index is significantly lower. You will also encounter lower state income and property taxes in Des Moines, which can free up a substantial portion of your budget. Furthermore, the financial services and manufacturing sectors in Des Moines provide robust job opportunities, unlike Newark, which has more diversified industries. Adjusting to these financial differences will be crucial for a smooth transition.

Newark vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison


Moving from Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA involves a significant change in community dynamics. This section provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This comparison of the politics between Newark & Des Moines will help you understand what to expect in your new home.

NewarkDes Moines
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticPrimarily Democratic with a notable Republican presence
Local PoliticsProgressive city governmentMix of progressive and conservative city policies
ReligionDiverse with a large proportion of Christian and Muslim residentsPredominantly Christian with smaller pockets of other faiths


The political atmosphere in Newark is largely Democratic, which aligns with its progressive city government. In contrast, Des Moines also leans Democratic but has a stronger Republican presence, reflecting a more mixed set of city policies. When it comes to religion, Newark is highly diverse with significant numbers of Christian and Muslim residents. On the other hand, Des Moines is predominantly Christian, though you will find smaller communities of other faiths. Moving from one city to the other means adjusting to these socioeconomic differences, but also embracing the unique cultural aspects each has to offer.

Newark vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic in a new city is vital for making your transition smoother. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Newark & Des Moines to help you better understand what to expect in each city.

ComparisonNewarkDes Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3520
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesNo

In Newark, you will find that public transit options are robust, making it easier to get by without a car. On the other hand, Des Moines has significantly less public transportation availability, so owning a car becomes almost essential. Additionally, while Newark faces more traffic congestion, averaging a 35-minute commute, you will appreciate the lighter traffic in Des Moines, where the average commute time is around 20 minutes.

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