Best Des Moines to Charlotte Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Interstate MoversChevron RightIowaChevron RightDes MoinesChevron RightDes Moines to Charlotte

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Des Moines to Charlotte and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,064 mile move from Iowa to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Des Moines to Charlotte 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 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 Des Moines compared to Charlotte. 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.

Best Des Moines to Charlotte Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Des Moines to Charlotte Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2You Move Me Charlotte9.339.23Authorized For HHG
3Best Move Inc9.269.19Authorized For Property
4Hemmen Moving9.129.47Authorized For Property, HHG
5Road Haugs Moving & Storage9.069.1Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Des Moines to Charlotte?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,064 miles from Des Moines, IA to Charlotte, NC will cost on average $2,686 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Charlotte move is roughly $6,456. 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$1,806300 ft³$6.02
1 Bedroom$2,686450 ft³$5.97
2 Bedrooms$4,439750 ft³$5.92
3 Bedrooms$6,4561100 ft³$5.87
4 Bedrooms$9,3101600 ft³$5.82
5+ Bedrooms$10,3841800 ft³$5.77
*Please note: These Iowa to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & North Carolina. 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 IA to NC mover.
Iowa iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charlotte to Des Moines guide.

Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Charlotte 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

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 898+ 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
You Move Me Charlotte Logo

You Move Me Charlotte

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,524+ data points

4222 Barringer Dr

Charlotte, NC, 28217

About You Move Me Charlotte

You Move Me is a franchised moving company that has locations all across North America, including Charlotte, NC. Serving the entire...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Piano moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2518689 / 878140

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Best Move Inc Logo

Best Move Inc

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 471+ 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
Hemmen Moving Logo

Hemmen Moving

Exceptional9.12/10
based on 594+ data points

1293 W Ave

Ames, IA, 50014

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...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Small moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

608245 / 292343

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Road Haugs Moving & Storage Logo

Road Haugs Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 1,542+ data points

2700 Hutchison McDonald Rd Suite A

Charlotte, NC, 28269

About Road Haugs Moving & Storage

Road Haugs Moving & Storage is a Charlotte-based moving company that is second-generation family-owned and operated. Primarily executing local residential moves,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Specialty Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2535952 / 882889

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Charlotte Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. This guide aims to ease your transition by providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Charlotte, NC . We've matched top neighborhoods from Des Moines with their closest similarities in Charlotte, helping you find your new favorite spot.

Des MoinesCharlotteHow They're Similar
East VillageNodaArtsy, vibrant nightlife
BeaverdalePlaza MidwoodEclectic, community-focused
Waveland ParkElizabethHistoric, family-friendly
Sherman HillDilworthHistoric homes, charming streets
Highland ParkCherryCentral location, historic charm
South of GrandMyers ParkUpscale, historic homes
DrakeUniversity CityDiverse, educational hub
Ingersoll AvenueSouth EndTrendy, with craft breweries
Gray’s LakeFreedom ParkNature-focused, active community
RooseveltBallantyneSuburban, upscale amenities

If you're drawn to the vibrant, artsy atmosphere of East Village in Des Moines, you'll find a kindred spirit in Charlotte's Noda neighborhood, famous for its live music venues like Neighborhood Theatre and gallery crawls. For those who appreciate the eclectic and community-focused vibe of Beaverdale, Plaza Midwood will feel like home, with its diverse dining scene featuring spots like Midwood Smokehouse and unique boutiques. Meanwhile, the historic charm of Sherman Hill finds its match in Dilworth, where walks along tree-lined streets lead to discoveries of architectural gems and cozy cafes like Dilworth Coffee. These comparisons not only highlight the physical similarities between the neighborhoods but also underscore the communities and lifestyles you can expect to find, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home in Charlotte.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Charlotte

  • Explore Carowinds amusement park.
  • Stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
  • Visit the Mint Museum.
  • Watch a game at Truist Field.
  • Enjoy U.S. National Whitewater Center activities.
  • Relax at Freedom Park.
  • Tour Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Charlotte

Moving can be a daunting task, and when it's from Des Moines, IA to Charlotte, NC, it's crucial to weigh both sides. This comparison is created to offer an honest reflection of Des Moines and Charlotte, targeting the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Understanding these aspects will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.

CONs
PROs
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Harsh winters
  • Less job opportunities
  • Fewer cultural attractions
Charlotte, NC iconCharlotte, NC
  • Larger urban area
  • Wide culinary variety
  • Milder winters
  • Greater job market
  • Rich in cultural sites
Charlotte, NC iconCharlotte, NC
  • Higher cost of living
  • More impersonal
  • More traffic congestion
  • Higher property taxes
  • Fewer parks per capita
Des Moines, IA iconDes Moines, IA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Close-knit community
  • Easy navigation
  • Lower property taxes
  • Abundant green spaces

When considering the move from Des Moines, IA to Charlotte, NC, it's important to acknowledge how each city's unique attributes align with your lifestyle. Charlotte's urban sprawl offers a vast array of amenities and opportunities from employment to dining, evident in thriving places like South End and 7th Street Public Market. Unlike Des Moines' harsh winters, Charlotte provides a more comfortable climate, ideal for exploring the numerous parks and outdoor events in areas such as Freedom Park. However, moving to Charlotte might mean adjusting to a higher cost of living and navigating a busier city life. Des Moines' appeal, with its low cost of living and community feel, translates into a more relaxed pace of life amidst green spaces like Water Works Park, something that might be more scattered in Charlotte's burgeoning metropolis.

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Food Guide

Exploring new locales often means diving into their culinary scenes, a vital element of local culture and everyday life. To help you get a sense of your future adventures, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Charlotte ensures you're well-informed about the gastronomic landscape awaiting you.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Most iconic local food item
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dish
Corn-fed Beef
Carolina BBQ
Most popular street food item
Taco Trucks
Fried Pickles
Most popular vegan food
Lentil Burger
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Zombie Burger
  • 801 Chophouse
  • Mert's Heart & Soul
  • Price's Chicken Coop
  • Midwood Smokehouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Charlotte, you're stepping into a vibrant foodie scene that holds its Southern roots with pride, especially evident in its iconic Carolina BBQ. Neighborhoods such as NoDa and South End are rich with culinary diversity, offering everything from gourmet vegan eats at places like Bean Vegan Cuisine to the traditional Southern comfort food at Mert's Heart & Soul. Don't miss out on Charlotte's food trucks, which serve up a variety of flavors, including the city's loved fried pickles. Whether you're exploring the historic streets or the modern, eclectic districts, Charlotte's food scene promises to be a continual journey of discovery.

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the significance of culinary culture in making a place feel like home is the first step to settling into a new city. This restaurant comparison chart between Des Moines, IA, and Charlotte, NC, aims to bridge the gap by guiding you towards your new favorite dining spots, aligning them with cherished establishments from your current locale.

Des MoinesCharlotteWhat You'll Love
A Dong RestaurantCOOffers a trendy and modern culinary experience with a similar focus on authentic, flavorful Asian dishes.
Zombie Burger + Drink LabBad Daddy's Burger BarBoth are known for creative burgers and a cool, unique atmosphere that's great for casual dining.
CentroStagioniProvides an upscale Italian dining experience with a commitment to quality ingredients, much like Centro in Des Moines.
El Bait ShopThe Olde Mecklenburg BreweryWhile known for their extensive beer selection, they also offer a great casual atmosphere and tasty bites akin to El Bait Shop.
Fong's PizzaHawthorne's New York Pizza and BarThey share a unique approach to pizza, blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors.
HarbingerKindredBoth spots are celebrated for their innovative and high-quality dishes, making them a hit among foodies looking for an upscale dining experience.
Smitty’s Tenderloin ShopPrice’s Chicken CoopAlthough known for different specialties, they're similar in that they're long-standing, affordable, and iconic within their respective cities.
La Mie BakeryAmelie's French Bakery & CaféOffers a similar ambiance and selection of freshly baked goods, pastries, and light fare.
ProofBarrington’sBoth offer a refined dining experience with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients curated by skilled chefs.
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.Wooden Robot BreweryWhile focusing on their craft beer, they also provide a convivial atmosphere and a menu that's sure to please any food lover.

Finding a new favorite dining spot is more than just about the food; it’s about the experience and the memories created. When you step into CO in Charlotte, not only can you expect an atmospheric nod to chic eateries like A Dong Restaurant but also a similarly adventurous Asian cuisine palette designed to delight. Similarly, transitioning from the iconic burgers at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab to the gourmet offerings at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar promises an enjoyable feast that doesn't stray far from your culinary comforts. And for those special occasions or simply when the craving for Italian hits, the refined yet welcoming ambiance at Stagioni echoes the sentiments and flavors found back in Des Moines at Centro, proving that a new city doesn’t mean sacrificing your foodie preferences.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding how real estate compares between your current and future homes is crucial. This comparison between Des Moines, IA, and Charlotte, NC, highlights the critical factors in making an informed decision regarding housing, including cost, statistics, and lifestyle compatibility. Let’s dive into how these cities stack up against each other.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch & Craftsman
Colonial & Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, proximity to parks
Accessibility to uptown, modern amenities

Examining the housing aspects between Des Moines and Charlotte unveils a variety of lifestyle and cost implications for potential residents. Des Moines typically features more spacious homes with larger yards at a lower cost, appealing to those prioritizing space and affordability. In contrast, Charlotte's housing market leans towards modern amenities and proximity to the bustling uptown area, indicating a higher cost but offering an urban lifestyle highly rated by its residents. The architectural styles also reflect the cities' historical and cultural differences, from the Craftsman homes prevalent in Des Moines to the Colonial and Modern designs marking Charlotte's landscape. These distinctions hint at the diverse living experiences awaiting you in each city, making it crucial to align your housing choices with your lifestyle preferences and budgetary considerations.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC

1. NoDa: You’ll love the vibrant arts district with ample dog-friendly patios and green spaces.

2. South End: You can enjoy urban living with numerous pet-friendly breweries, parks, and walking trails.

3. Plaza Midwood: This eclectic neighborhood offers you pet-friendly cafes and easy access to nearby parks.

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the weather differences between Des Moines, IA and Charlotte, NC becomes crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in climate and prepare accordingly.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Blizzards
Hurricanes, Ice storms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 65°F
89°F / 68°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

31°F / 17°F
51°F / 30°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36"
43"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

36"
4"


Moving from Des Moines to Charlotte brings you to a warmer and slightly less humid environment. Charlotte's winters are milder, making heavy snow rare and lessening the need for winter gear. However, the increase in sunny days per year and higher summer temperatures in Charlotte suggests that you might want to prepare for a warmer climate, especially during the summer months. Additionally, while both cities experience natural disasters, the types differ significantly, with Charlotte being more prone to hurricanes and Des Moines to tornadoes. This change could affect emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your relocation, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and financial landscape in Des Moines and Charlotte will affect your budget and lifestyle. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision and prepare for your move.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Avg. Household Income
$60,693
$70,869
Cost of Living Index
90.9
93.2
State Income Tax
Up to 8.53%
Flat 5.25%
Avg. Property Tax
1.56%
1.13%
Avg. Sales Tax
7%
7.25%
Top 3 Industries
Insurance, Financial Services, Health Care
Banking, Airlines, Energy
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
Moderate
Homelessness
Low
Medium

While Des Moines and Charlotte offer unique opportunities and challenges, noteworthy contrasts exist in their financial landscapes. Des Moines generally has a lower cost of living and higher average household income, providing a comfortable living standard despite its state's higher income tax rates. Charlotte, on the other hand, is marked by a slightly higher cost of living and a vibrant economy driven by banking and energy sectors, which could offer more job opportunities in those fields. Both cities exhibit moderate levels of poverty; however, Charlotte faces a higher level of homelessness, a critical factor to consider for community-conscious individuals and families preparing to move.

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another brings about many changes, not just in scenery but also in the community you’re about to join. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Des Moines & Charlotte, offering insights into the potential cultural climate you’ll find yourself in.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive in urban areas
Progressively diverse
Religion
Christianity dominant, variety of places of worship
Christianity prevalent, with significant local churches presence

While both Des Moines and Charlotte lean Democratic, Charlotte’s local political scene exhibits a more pronounced diversity, reflecting its larger size and different regional influences. While Christianity is the dominant religion in both cities, your experience in Charlotte might be enriched by a variety of influential local churches, signaling not just diversity in religious expression but also a community often engaged in social and citywide initiatives. This move is not just a change of scenery, but an immersion into a new cultural and community landscape.

Des Moines vs. Charlotte Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Charlotte, NC, entails adjusting to new traffic and transportation conditions. This comparison between Des Moines & Charlotte aims to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, preparing you for the changes ahead.

Des Moines
Charlotte
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
20.4
24.8
Traffic Congestion
3 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Possible, but difficult

When transitioning from Des Moines to Charlotte, expect longer commute times and increased traffic congestion. However, Charlotte slightly betters Des Moines in public transit options, making commuting without a car more feasible, though still challenging. In Des Moines, the reliance on personal vehicles is more pronounced due to limited public transit services. Charlotte's public transit, including buses and light rail services, offers broader coverage and convenience, subtly encouraging a shift away from complete car dependence. This adjustment brings into focus the importance of exploring and integrating into Charlotte's public transit networks for more efficient daily travel.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Des Moines to Charlotte Movers Featured Image