Moving from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA
The drive from Akron, OH to Des Moines, IA runs 685 mi β about 12h 43m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
685 mi Β· 12h 43m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Des Moines and Akron is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 1.8% above Akron β $137,894 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Des Moines (50.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.8% between Akron and Des Moines (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Akron to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 685 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $137,894 in Akron β a 51.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 685 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 1.8% lower than Akron (91.701 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $48,544 in Akron β a 31.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Des Moines, IA.