Moving from Allentown, PA to Des Moines, IA
It is 1038 mi between Allentown and Des Moines — roughly 19h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1038 mi · 19h 22m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| 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
| Allentown | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.3% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Allentown at 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.3% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Des Moines (50.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 8.3% more at the median — ACS 5-year 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 Pennsylvania 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June — 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
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 53.1°F in Allentown (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 47.4 in.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 19.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1038 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 32.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 8.3% lower than Allentown (91.701 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1038 mi and the route typically takes 19h 22m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Des Moines, IA.