Best Des Moines to San Diego Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Des Moines, the heart of the Midwest, to San Diego, known as "America's Finest City," marks an exciting chapter in your life filled with new adventures and opportunities. You're trading the tranquil, family-friendly vibes of Des Moines for the sunny beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and lively culture of San Diego. Recognizing the challenges of such a long-distance move, it's crucial to entrust your journey to trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your transition is as smooth as the California breeze. That's where we come in, using our unbiased ranking algorithm at Great Guys Moving to connect you with the best movers suited for your specific needs.
Best Des Moines to San Diego Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rock Movers | 9.50 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.24 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.11 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Two Men and a Truck | 8.64 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Des Moines guide.
5 Best Des Moines to San Diego Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
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 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 longstanding moving company with locations in almost every state. In Iowa, this company has been performing residen...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 739369 / FF-20254
468114 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 23 |
| Registered Drivers | 26 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
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.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unknown city. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison between Des Moines, IA & San Diego, CA local neighborhoods . This guide aims to help you find a slice of home in your new city by aligning familiar neighborhoods with their closest counterparts.
| Des Moines | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Little Italy | Vibrant nightlife and dining |
| Beaverdale | North Park | Family-friendly with a hip vibe |
| Waveland Park | University Heights | Historic homes and local eats |
| Drake | Hillcrest | Diverse community and culture |
| South of Grand | Point Loma | Scenic views and quiet streets |
| Sherman Hill | Golden Hill | Victorian homes and artistic vibe |
| Waterbury | Del Mar | Upscale and peaceful atmosphere |
| Highland Park | Ocean Beach | Laid-back culture with beach access |
| Ingersoll Park | Normal Heights | Quaint and bolsters local businesses |
| Gray's Lake | Coronado | Waterfront recreation and views |
For those moving from Des Moines to San Diego, understanding the unique characteristics of each neighborhood helps in making an informed decision. If the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of Des Moines' East Village captivates you, Little Italy in San Diego, with its bustling nightlife, world-class dining, and the iconic Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market, will feel like home. Beaverdale's tight-knit community spirit mirrors that of North Park, where family-friendly events and local breweries, such as North Park Beer Company, abound. For those accustomed to the historic charm and majestic homes of South of Grand, the serene streets and breathtaking ocean views of Point Loma offer a similar appeal, only with the added benefit of coastal living. These comparisons show that no matter your lifestyle or preferences, San Diego has a neighborhood that can make you feel at home.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- Tour the USS Midway Museum
- Explore Balboa Park
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Dine in Little Italy
- Experience SeaWorld San Diego
- Play golf at Torrey Pines
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to San Diego
Moving from one city to another is a major decision that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the transition from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA , highlighting both the good and bad aspects of this relocation to help you make a more informed decision.
Des Moines, IA- Colder winters
- Smaller city vibe
- Fewer cultural venues
- Less diverse cuisine
San Diego, CA- Warmer winters
- Bigger city experience
- More cultural venues
- More diverse cuisine
San Diego, CA- Higher cost of living
- More impersonal
- More traffic congestion
- Challenging parking
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Tighter-knit community
- Less traffic congestion
- Easier winter driving
While moving from Des Moines to San Diego comes with the challenge of adapting to a higher cost of living and more traffic, it also opens up a world of opportunities. San Diego is renowned for its vibrant cultural venues like the San Diego Museum of Art and natural beauty, including the iconic Balboa Park, offering endless outdoor activities and sights. The culinary scene in San Diego is also a significant upgrade, with world-famous restaurants such as Juniper & Ivy offering a diverse palette of flavors that cater to all tastes. Moreover, the temperate climate allows for year-round enjoyment of its numerous beaches and outdoor attractions, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enrich their lifestyle with new experiences.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Food Guide
Relocating offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the local food scene. To help you get a taste of what's to come, we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & San Diego . This will give you a flavor of the gastronomic experiences awaiting in your new city.
| Des Moines | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Smoked Pork | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Corn Dogs | California Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Açai Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Diego, the culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its beautiful landscapes. You can enjoy the iconic fish tacos by the beach at spots like Oscar's Mexican Seafood. For those who love a good meat dish, carne asada is a local favorite, best experienced at Las Cuatro Milpas, where traditional Mexican cuisine shines. The city's health-conscious ethos is evident in the popularity of açai bowls, with places like Bowlology offering a variety of vegan options. San Diego's food truck scene is bustling, serving everything from gourmet bites to classic street food, ensuring you're never far from a delicious meal no matter where you are in the city.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new place feel like home. By comparing your favorite spots in Des Moines to their counterparts in San Diego, this guide is here to help you discover new eateries that could become your next go-to places. Whether you're craving a casual diner experience or a luxurious night out, we've got you covered.
| Des Moines | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Buona Forchetta | Authentic Italian dishes mimicking Centro's ambiance |
| Zombie Burger | Slater’s 50/50 | Known for unique burger creations and a fun environment |
| A Dong | Pho Point Loma & Grill | Offering rich, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine similar to A Dong |
| Harbinger | Juniper & Ivy | Elevated, inventive plates with a focus on fresh, local ingredients |
| El Bait Shop | Hamilton’s Tavern | Both are havens for beer enthusiasts with a casual vibe |
| Fong's Pizza | Basic Bar & Pizza | Unique pizza offerings in an industrial-chic space |
| Latin King | Las Cuatro Milpas | Homestyle Mexican food that rivals the authenticity of Latin King |
| Waterfront Seafood Market | Point Loma Seafoods | Offers fresh seafood in a market setting, similar to Waterfront |
| Smokey D's BBQ | Phil’s BBQ | Both spots are famous for their finger-licking good barbecue dishes |
| Bubba | Louisiana Purchase | Southern comfort food with a twist, akin to Bubba’s cozy charm |
When exploring San Diego’s diverse food scene, you’ll find places like Buona Forchetta and Pho Point Loma & Grill that echo the culinary spirit of Des Moines. For instance, Buona Forchetta instantly transports diners to Italy, much like Centro does in Des Moines, with their dedication to authentic Italian cuisine. Meanwhile, if your taste buds are craving something from Southeast Asia, Pho Point Loma & Grill serves up Vietnamese dishes that will remind you of A Dong's rich flavors. And for those who cherish their casual dining spots as much as their fine dining, places like Hamilton’s Tavern in San Diego offer a vast selection of craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere, mirroring the appeal of Des Moines's El Bait Shop. These San Diego eateries not only satisfy familiar cravings but also welcome you to new culinary experiences in your new home city.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When contemplating a move, diving into the real estate market is crucial. Comparing Des Moines and San Diego in terms of housing will provide a clear picture of what to expect. This guide aims to highlight key differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle to aid in your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Ranch | Spanish Colonial, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious Backyards, Large Garages | Ocean Views, Proximity to Beach |
When moving from Des Moines to San Diego, the striking difference in median home prices and monthly rents stands out immediately, reflecting San Diego’s high demand and coastal premium. The architectural styles also vary significantly, showcasing a preference for the Victorian and Ranch styles in Des Moines versus San Diego’s Spanish Colonial and modern designs, often highlighted by listings’ emphasis on ocean views and beach access. Additionally, San Diego offers a slightly more walkable and bikeable environment conducive to an urban lifestyle, indicating a more vibrant city life compared to Des Moines.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.
2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.
3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA, it's crucial to understand how the weather in your new city compares to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will help you adjust to the weather differences between Des Moines and San Diego, ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.
Des Moines, IA
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good-Moderate | Good-Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Blizzards | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Relocating from Des Moines to San Diego introduces significant climate differences. Des Moines experiences a wide range of temperatures with hot summers and cold, snowy winters, while San Diego enjoys a milder, more consistent climate year-round. You'll find yourself enjoying more days of sunshine and less humidity in San Diego, which can be a pleasant change. However, it's also important to consider the unique natural disaster risks in California, such as earthquakes and wildfires. Adjusting to the drier climate and understanding the local natural disaster preparedness measures will be essential in making your transition as smooth as possible.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to San Diego
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and overall financial landscape will shift. This comparison offers insight into various monetary aspects that will influence your transition from Des Moines, IA, to San Diego, CA. Understand the financial implications of moving between these two cities by exploring income, taxes, and economic conditions that await.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 1 to 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.77 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 7.75% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Military, International Trade, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Des Moines to San Diego, you'll find that while the average household income is slightly higher in San Diego, the cost of living is significantly greater, making the economic conditions feel different than what you're accustomed to. Despite the higher living expenses, San Diego's diverse economy, buoyed by military, international trade, and tourism, presents potentially lucrative career opportunities. The disparity in state and sales taxes will also affect your finances, demanding a closer examination of your budgeting and spending habits in this coastal city. Understanding these financial landscapes is crucial for a smooth transition.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another involves not just a physical shift but also entering a new social and cultural environment. This quick guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Des Moines & San Diego , offering insights into what to expect as you transition from the heart of Iowa to the sunny shores of California.
| Des Moines | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Strong focus on agriculture and education | Emphasis on environmental policies and military presence |
| Religion | Christianity Predominant | More Diverse Religious Landscape |
While both Des Moines and San Diego lean towards liberal values, San Diego expresses a more pronounced liberal stance particularly on environmental issues, reflecting its coastal city status. This shift might be noticeable in terms of local governance priorities, with San Diego heavily focussed on green initiatives and ocean conservation. In contrast, Des Moines places a greater emphasis on agriculture and education, which drive its local policies. Religion in San Diego represents a broader spectrum, evidencing a more diverse population than Des Moines. This diversity enriches the community experience, offering you a wide array of cultural and religious interactions. Understanding these nuances can help smooth your transition and integration into your new home.
Des Moines vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving to a new city often means adapting to a different pace and mode of transportation. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & San Diego is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like.
| Comparison | Des Moines | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
In Des Moines, the average commute time is shorter and you'll face less traffic congestion compared to San Diego. However, San Diego offers a more comprehensive public transit system, making it easier to get around without a car. While Des Moines is steadily improving its public transportation, the system in San Diego includes San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) with extensive trolley, bus, and train services that cover a wider area. If you're moving from Des Moines to San Diego, you'll find adapting to the more traffic-heavy but transit-rich environment in San Diego requires some adjustments but also provides more flexibility in choosing how to commute.
Popular Des Moines, IA to California Moving Routes
- Des Moines to Los Angeles
- Des Moines to San Jose
- Des Moines to San Francisco
- Des Moines to Fresno
- Des Moines to Sacramento
- Des Moines to Long Beach
- Des Moines to Oakland
- Des Moines to Bakersfield
- Des Moines to Anaheim
- Des Moines to Santa Ana
- Des Moines to Riverside
- Des Moines to Stockton
- Des Moines to Irvine
- Des Moines to Chula Vista
