Moving from Boulder, CO to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 685 mi from Boulder to Des Moines is a 11h 57m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
685 mi · 11h 57m by car · IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Denver, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.8% moving from Boulder to Des Moines — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $964,531 in Boulder to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 12.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boulder | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.5°F vs 50.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.8% — $85,364 → $63,966 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 Boulder and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 51.5°F in Boulder (0.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 92.8 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 21.2 in.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 12.8% lower than Boulder (91.701 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Boulder 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 685 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $85,364 in Boulder — a 25.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 685 mi and the route typically takes 11h 57m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $964,531 in Boulder — a 78.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO · Des Moines, IA.