Best Tampa to Des Moines Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from the sunny shores of Tampa, FL to the heartland charm of Des Moines, IA marks not just a change in scenery but an exciting journey into a new chapter of your life. Tampa, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, contrasts with Des Moines' serene landscapes and friendly Midwestern vibe, offering you a fresh start and diverse experiences. Recognizing the magnitude of relocating from city to city, it's crucial to entrust this significant transition to our trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your adventure starts on the right note.
Best Tampa to Des Moines Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Let's Get Moving | 9.14 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 9.06 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Big Man's Moving Company | 8.18 | A- | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Des Moines to Tampa guide.
5 Best Tampa to Des Moines Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 BBB accreditation...Read More >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Let's Get Moving
This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida moving ...Read More >>
Services
- Commercial moving services
- Residential moving services
- Local moving services
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 comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
About Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck is a full-service, national moving company in Florida with over 35 years of experience. With a comprehensive range of se...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2113690 / FF-19726
812151 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 13 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 310,000 (2023) |
About Big Man's Moving Company
Big Man’s Moving Company is a top-rated local and long-distance mover in Tampa, FL. It has helped over 6,000 people relocate successfully si...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Out of State Moving
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.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Neighborhood Comparison
Transitioning from your current neighborhood in Tampa, FL, to a new area in Des Moines, IA, can be a smoother experience when you find a place that shares similar vibes and amenities. To assist in this journey, we've prepared a comparison of local neighborhoods between Tampa, FL & Des Moines, IA. Whether you're looking for bustling city life or quiet residential areas, this guide will help you discover your next home's equivalent neighborhood.
| Tampa | Des Moines | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Hyde Park | Sherman Hill | Historic charm, vibrant community |
| SoHo (South Howard Ave.) | East Village | Trendy shops, nightlife |
| Channelside | Western Gateway | Urban, modern apartments |
| Ybor City | Historic East Village | Rich history, unique shops |
| Davis Islands | Beaverdale | Residential, quiet streets |
| Seminole Heights | Drake Neighborhood | Eclectic, artistic vibe |
| Tampa Palms | Waveland Park | Family-friendly, great parks |
| Palma Ceia | Windsor Heights | Quaint, small-town feel |
| Carrollwood | Urbandale | Suburban, community-oriented |
| New Tampa | Johnston | Modern, growing area |
In searching for a neighborhood that mirrors the unique atmosphere of your Tampa locale, consider the essential facets of your lifestyle. Hyde Park residents, accustomed to a historic charm with a vibrant community, will appreciate Sherman Hill's well-preserved architecture and tight-knit feel. If you're moving from the lively streets of SoHo, the East Village in Des Moines offers a similar trendy vibe with plenty of shops and nightlife options like the East Village Spa and the Up-Down Arcade Bar. For those who enjoy the artistic and eclectic feel of Seminole Heights, the Drake Neighborhood will charm you with its unique blend of local art, cozy cafes, and vibrant community spaces. This guide aims to help you transition seamlessly by finding a new neighborhood that feels like home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tampa to Des Moines
Moving from Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA is a significant transition with both challenges and benefits. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through analyzing the downsides of leaving Tampa against the upsides of moving to Des Moines, and vice versa, we hope to offer valuable insights for your decision-making process.
Tampa, FL- High humidity
- Hurricane risk
- Busy traffic
- Higher living costs
Des Moines, IA- Lower humidity
- No hurricanes
- Less traffic
- More affordable living
Des Moines, IA- Cold winters
- No beaches
- Quieter nightlife
- More subdued culture
Tampa, FL- Warm winters
- Beaches nearby
- Lively nightlife
- Vibrant culture
While moving from Tampa to Des Moines means bidding farewell to the sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife, it also welcomes a change to a city with distinct seasonal changes, offering snowy winters unlike Tampa's mild ones. Des Moines, known for its friendliness, offers unique attractions such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and East Village's shops, presenting an immersive experience into the local culture and community. The transition might come with its set of challenges, like adjusting to cooler climates and missing the ocean's proximity, but it also opens doors to exploring cozy neighborhood parks, engaging in community events, and discovering new favorite restaurants amidst Des Moines' growing culinary scene, such as the praised Centro. Each city harbors its unique charm and potential for new adventures and opportunities.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Food Guide
When considering a move, it's essential to understand how local cuisine reflects the cultural vibrancy of a region. Here, we embark on a journey to explore the differences in food scenes, making a comparison of the local cuisine between Tampa & Des Moines imperative for anyone moving between these locations. This comparison will allow you to savor the flavors of your future home.
| Tampa | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cuban Sandwich | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Blackened Grouper | Iowa Chop |
| Most popular street food item | Empanadas | Corn Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Quinoa Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Tampa, the Cuban sandwich stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry, best enjoyed in the historic Ybor City neighborhood, where many of the city's iconic restaurants, such as Columbia Restaurant, reside. On the flip side, Des Moines offers a taste of the Midwest with its famous Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, a staple that can be savored in local favorites like the State Fairgrounds or downtown's bustling eateries such as Centro Restaurant. Des Moines, while smaller, showcases a vibrant food scene with a growing number of food trucks and vegan options, reflecting a trend towards more health-conscious and diverse dining options.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Restaurant Comparison
Understanding how crucial finding the right spots to eat is when making a new city feel like home, we've curated a comparison to ease your transition from Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA. Explore familiar flavors and exciting new discoveries that tie Tampa's and Des Moines’s culinary scenes together, making your move a delicious journey.
| Tampa | Des Moines | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Bern's Steak House | 801 Chophouse | Premium steaks and an extensive wine list reminiscent of Bern's Steak House's iconic dining experience |
| Ulele | Harbinger | Innovative dishes with a commitment to local sourcing, echoing Ulele’s dedication to Floridian flavors |
| Columbia Restaurant | Centro | Offers a selection of Italian dishes in an elegant setting, capturing the historic charm of the Columbia Restaurant |
| Armature Works | Django Restaurant | A top choice for diverse culinary options and an inviting atmosphere, similar to the experience at Armature Works |
| Oxford Exchange | St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery | A blend of sophistication and a relaxed cafe culture, much like Oxford Exchange's unique ambiance |
| La Segunda Central Bakery | Scenic Route Bakery | Known for their pastries and a coffee culture that rivals La Segunda's storied history and quality |
| Datz | Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | Offers a quirky, innovative menu that matches Datz’s approach to classic American food |
| Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe | Proof | Contemporary American cuisine with a twist, a concept that aligns with Ella's folk and art-centric dining experience |
| Rooster & the Till | Aposto | A seasonal, farm-to-table approach that echoes Rooster & the Till’s mission for freshness and creativity in their dishes |
| Edison: Food+Drink Lab | Table 128 Bistro + Bar | Innovative and experimental dishes that offer a similar modern dining experience to Edison's |
When the longing for the vibrant flavors of Tampa hits, places like 801 Chophouse and Harbinger in Des Moines stand ready to offer a similar caliber of culinary excellence. 801 Chophouse, akin to Bern's Steak House, takes pride in its premium steaks and an extensive wine list, promising an unforgettable dining experience. For those with a palate for innovation coupled with a love for local sourcing, Harbinger mirrors Ulele's dedication, serving dishes that are inventive yet familiar. And when in search of a comfortable yet sophisticated cafe vibe reminiscent of Oxford Exchange, St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery in Des Moines becomes your go-to, blending quality food and a relaxed ambiance seamlessly. Each establishment in Des Moines welcomes you with open arms, ready to make your transition flavorful and full of new favorites.
Ready to start your move?
Tampa vs. Des Moines Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes is vital. This comparison dives into housing aspects between Tampa, FL, and Des Moines, IA , to provide a clear picture of what awaits in each city.
| Comparison | Tampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish and Mediterranean | Colonial and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to beaches, Outdoor living spaces | Quiet neighborhoods, Spacious backyards |
When you delve deeper into the housing specifics of Tampa and Des Moines, notable differences emerge. Tampa's higher median home price is matched with a demand for homes that boast proximity to the beaches and outdoor living spaces, reflecting its warmer, coastal environment. In contrast, Des Moines appeals with its more affordable housing options, where listings often highlight the appeal of quiet neighborhoods and spacious backyards. This difference in housing costs and amenities underscores the diverse lifestyles these cities offer, from Tampa's vibrant urban setting to Des Moines's laid-back charm.
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.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another presents an excellent opportunity to understand how the climate and weather conditions will change. This comparison aims to highlight the differences between Tampa, FL, and Des Moines, IA weather, allowing you to prepare adequately for your new environment.
Tampa, FL
Des Moines, IA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tampa, FL
Des Moines, IA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tampa, FL
Des Moines, IA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tampa, FL
Des Moines, IA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Flooding | Tornadoes, Winter Storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing the climates of Tampa and Des Moines, you’ll notice significant differences, especially during the winter months. Des Moines experiences cold winters with substantial snowfall, something to prepare for if you're accustomed to Tampa's mild winters. Additionally, while both cities enjoy a good amount of sunny days, Tampa’s higher humidity and UV index might mean reevaluating your daily sun protection and hydration habits. Understanding these weather patterns can help you adapt more quickly and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tampa to Des Moines
When planning a move from Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand how your financial situation might change. This comparison will highlight key differences and similarities in economic conditions, cost of living, and tax rates between Tampa and Des Moines, guiding you in preparing for your relocation.
| Comparison | Tampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $63,404 | $60,693 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.4 | 90.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | Up to 8.53% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.97% | 1.56% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Tourism | Insurance, Financial Services, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Less Concerning |
Moving from Tampa to Des Moines, you'll find a noticeable difference in average household income, which is generally higher in Des Moines. This could be significant for your financial planning, especially when considering the difference in state income taxes—with Florida having none and Iowa up to 8.53%. Despite this tax difference, the lower cost of living in Des Moines may balance out your expenses. Additionally, the prominence of different industries means you might find varying job opportunities. Understanding these aspects will help ensure a smoother transition to your new home.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another offers a fresh perspective on life, and understanding the local demographics is a crucial part of that transition. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup comparison between Tampa & Des Moines, helping you familiarize yourself with the communities you're moving from and to.
| Tampa | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Highly engaged | Community-focused |
| Religion | Diverse, with a strong Christian presence | Diverse, with significant Christian and non-religious communities |
When moving from Tampa to Des Moines, you'll find both cities share a leaning toward Democratic values in their political makeup, signaling a potentially smooth transition in terms of political climate. However, the engagement in local politics differs. While Tampa residents are highly engaged in a broad spectrum of political activities, Des Moines' community takes a more focused approach, with strong emphasis on local issues and community well-being. Religion in both cities displays diversity, but with a considerable Christian presence. Des Moines, similarly to Tampa, also showcases a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious, reflecting broader national trends toward secularism. Understanding these nuances will help you adapt more seamlessly to your new home.
Tampa vs. Des Moines Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Tampa, FL to Des Moines, IA, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commuting and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Tampa & Des Moines will help ease the transition and set expectations for your new city life.
| Comparison | Tampa | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 20 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible but inconvenient |
In Tampa, you may find the average commute time slightly longer and traffic congestion higher than in Des Moines, potentially making your daily trips more time-consuming. Although public transportation exists in both cities, its availability and convenience might differ, with Tampa scoring slightly lower. This suggests while it’s possible to navigate both cities without a personal vehicle, doing so in Tampa might present more of a challenge. Moving to Des Moines, you'd experience less traffic stress, but still face limitations with public transit, implying a car could still significantly enhance your mobility and convenience in navigating the city.
Popular Tampa, FL to Iowa Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
