Best Cincinnati to Des Moines Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 587 mile move from Ohio to Iowa go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Cincinnati 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 $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Des Moines 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
5Manifest Shipping Llc9.199.35Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Cincinnati to Des Moines

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 587 miles from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA will cost on average $2,280 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Cincinnati to Des Moines 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 Ohio to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Ohio & 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 OH to IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Cincinnati guide.

Compare the 5 Best Cincinnati 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
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
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo

Manifest Shipping Llc

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

501 Southwick Pl

Trenton, OH, 45067

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (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.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a journey into the unknown, especially when it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood. To ease your transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Cincinnati, OH & Des Moines, IA , helping you find a new home that feels familiar. Compare popular areas to discover your potential new neighborhood.

CincinnatiDes MoinesHow They're Similar
Over-the-RhineEast VillageHistoric charm, vibrant nightlife
Mount AdamsSherman HillHistoric homes, close-knit community
Hyde ParkWaterburyAffluent, tree-lined streets
CliftonDrakeDiverse, academic atmosphere
NorthsideBeaverdaleEclectic shops, artsy vibe
OakleyWindsor HeightsFamily-friendly, walkable
Mount LookoutIngersoll DistrictLively, entertainment options
Walnut HillsHighland ParkEmerging, diverse community
Downtown CincinnatiDowntown Des MoinesUrban living, amenities
Anderson TownshipUrbandaleSuburban, spacious homes

For those drawn to the historic charm and vibrant nightlife of Over-the-Rhine, Des Moines’ East Village offers a similar cultural tapestry, hosting annual festivals and home to eclectic dining options like East Village Pizzeria. If you appreciate the affluent and serene ambiance of Hyde Park, with its upscale dining like Hyde Park Elementary, you'll find Waterbury's tree-lined streets equally enchanting, marked by stately homes and a tranquil atmosphere. Meanwhile, Northside's eclectic and artsy vibe finds a counterpart in Beaverdale, where engaging community events and quirky shops, such as Back Country, create a warm, welcoming environment. Whether you’re searching for urban sophistication or suburban comfort, this guide aims to bridge the gap between your old and new neighborhoods.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines

Moving from one city to another is a big decision that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison will offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA. By evaluating the cons compared to the pros and vice versa, you'll get a clearer picture of what to expect from such a move.

CONs
PROs
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Higher crime rate
  • More traffic congestion
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Smaller local arts scene
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Lower crime rate
  • Less traffic congestion
  • More job opportunities
  • Larger local arts scene
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Fewer cultural festivals
  • Less historical presence
  • Limited sports culture
  • Less diverse cuisine
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Lively cultural festivals
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Better sports culture
  • More diverse cuisine

One of the most noticeable improvements upon moving to Des Moines from Cincinnati is the considerable drop in traffic congestion. While Cincinnati's rush hours can be a test of patience, Des Moines offers a much smoother drive, saving you time and stress. Additionally, the job market in Des Moines is burgeoning, with new opportunities in tech, insurance, and finance sectors greatly outpacing those in Cincinnati. Yet, it's the vibrant arts scene in Des Moines that might capture your heart. The Des Moines Performing Arts regularly hosts a variety of shows and the Des Moines Art Center delivers a world-class visual arts experience. On the flip side, while leaving behind Cincinnati’s rich historical landmarks and its diverse culinary scene might seem daunting, Des Moines presents its own unique tastes and histories to discover, such as the iconic Salisbury House or the delicious culinary tours offered by Catch Des Moines.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Food Guide

Food is a crucial aspect of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. Understanding the local cuisine can significantly enhance your relocation experience. To help you adjust, this guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Cincinnati & Des Moines so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new city.

CincinnatiDes Moines
Most iconic local food itemCincinnati ChiliPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishGoettaSmoked Pork Loin
Most popular street food itemGetta WrapTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan ChiliTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Skyline Chili
  • Queen City Radio
  • Findlay Market
  • Zombie Burger
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Achiote Ecuador Cuisine
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Cincinnati, the culinary scene is rich with unique flavors such as the famous Cincinnati Chili, which can be savored at Skyline Chili, among other local favorites. For vegan residents, the city offers a twist on its iconic dish with Vegan Chili found across various eateries. Goetta, a German-inspired pork and grain sausage, is a must-try for meat lovers. Meanwhile, in Des Moines, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich reigns supreme, a delicacy that can be found in many local eateries including the eclectic Fong's Pizza. The city's food scene is also notable for its vegan options, like the Tempeh Reuben, reflecting a growing trend towards plant-based dining. With its slightly higher scores in health consciousness, food truck abundance, and overall foodie scene, Des Moines showcases its vibrant culinary diversity that welcomes newcomers to explore.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison

Discovering your next favorite eatery is key to making somewhere feel like home. To help in your move from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA, we've created a restaurant comparison. This will guide you in finding establishments that echo the vibe and flavors of your current favorites. This restaurant comparison will help find your new favorite eateries, moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines.

CincinnatiDes MoinesWhat You'll Love
Orchids at Palm CourtBistro MontageElegant, French-inspired fare
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse801 ChophouseUpscale steak dining experience
Skyline ChiliZombie Burger + Drink LabUnique, casual burger spot
Montgomery InnSmoky D's BBQRenowned for barbecue dishes
Camp Washington ChiliWoody's Smoke ShackAuthentic smoked meats, local favorite
Graeter's Ice CreamSnookies Malt ShopClassic, beloved ice cream parlor
Findlay MarketDes Moines Farmers' MarketVast selection of local goods
The PrecinctJesse's EmbersOld-school steakhouse charm
Maplewood Kitchen and BarSt. Kilda Cafe & BakeryContemporary breakfast and brunch
Taste of BelgiumLa Mie BakeryEuropean-style bakery and café

Between Cincinnati's beloved Orchids at Palm Court and Des Moines' Bistro Montage, you'll find a seamless transition from one city's fine dining to another's. Equally, transitioning from the iconic Skyline Chili to Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines promises a unique and memorable casual dining experience. And for those sweet cravings, swapping Graeter's Ice Cream for a visit to Snookies Malt Shop ensures you won't miss out on indulgent treats. These transitions promise to make your move smoother by keeping familiar flavors and dining styles within reach, all while exploring what your new home has to offer.

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Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. Comparing housing features between Cincinnati and Des Moines offers valuable insights into where your next home could be. This guide highlights key aspects such as cost, architectural styles, and lifestyle offerings to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonCincinnatiDes Moines
Typical Architecture StyleItalianate, VictorianRanch, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric details, Proximity to parksSpacious yards, Modern amenities

When comparing Cincinnati and Des Moines, you'll notice several differences as well as similarities that can influence your living experience. In Cincinnati, the Italianate and Victorian architectural styles add a unique charm to the cityscape, appealing to those who appreciate historic details. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a blend of Ranch and Craftsman styles, reflecting a preference for spacious yards and modern amenities. Both cities present a moderate urban lifestyle rating, yet Des Moines edges out with slightly better bikeability, making it a more appealing choice for cyclists. These insights are not just numbers and terms; they embody the lifestyle you'll be stepping into in your new city.

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.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how the weather conditions in these cities might affect your daily life. This comparison aims to highlight the climate variations between Cincinnati and Des Moines, helping you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
87°/66°

Cincinnati, OH

86°/65°

Des Moines, IA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39°/23°

Cincinnati, OH

34°/18°

Des Moines, IA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44"

Cincinnati, OH

36"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22"

Cincinnati, OH

34"

Des Moines, IA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCincinnatiDes Moines
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersFloods, TornadoesTornadoes, Severe Winter Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines means experiencing more sunshine days but also bracing for colder winters and more snow. Although the summer temperatures are quite similar, Des Moines sees a notable dip during winter, with both lower highs and lows. Furthermore, while both cities have their share of natural disasters, Des Moines is particularly known for its severe winter storms in addition to tornadoes. On the upside, Des Moines generally enjoys better air quality, which might be a significant factor if you're sensitive to pollution or have respiratory concerns.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from Cincinnati, OH to Des Moines, IA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how the cost of living, taxes, and economic environment between Cincinnati and Des Moines will affect your wallet. It's not just about moving; it's about planning for your future in a new city.

ComparisonCincinnatiDes Moines
Avg. Household Income$42,733$60,693
Cost of Living Index93.890.9
State Income Tax2.85 - 4.7970.33 - 8.53
Avg. Property Tax1.621.56
Avg. Sales Tax7.87%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingInsurance, Financial Services, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow

While both Cincinnati and Des Moines offer a comparable quality of life in terms of the cost of living, there are distinctive financial nuances worth noting. For instance, the average household income is notably higher in Des Moines, which could be attributed to its thriving insurance and financial services industries. Additionally, though the state income tax range is wider in Des Moines, it starts at a much lower rate, offering potential tax advantages depending on your income level. Moreover, Des Moines enjoys a slightly lower sales tax, making day-to-day expenses a bit more manageable. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision and prepare for your financial life in your new city.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a brief comparison to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Cincinnati & Des Moines . Understanding these aspects can help you better prepare for your move and integrate into your new community.

CincinnatiDes Moines
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsCity GovernanceCity Governance
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Catholic presenceDiverse, Protestant majority

When moving from Cincinnati to Des Moines, you'll find that both cities share a tendency to lean Democratic in their political makeup, indicating similarities in political milieu. However, the local politics and governance of the cities operate under different contexts and structures, as seen through their respective city government websites. Religion in Cincinnati is marked by a significant Catholic presence amongst its diversity, while Des Moines exhibits a religious landscape with a Protestant majority. Understanding these nuances can help you acclimate more comfortably to your new surroundings.

Cincinnati vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Cincinnati & Des Moines, designed to give you a clearer understanding of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like in each city, to better inform your moving decision.

ComparisonCincinnatiDes Moines
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.520.9
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

In Cincinnati, while the average commute time is slightly longer than in Des Moines, it is often considered more manageable due to better public transport options, such as the Metro bus service. However, traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours. On the other hand, Des Moines offers a quicker average commute time, but with less availability of public transportation, making a car almost essential for getting around. The lower traffic congestion in Des Moines means that driving is generally less stressful, highlighting the trade-offs between these two cities when it comes to transportation and commuting.

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