Moving from Columbia, MO to Des Moines, IA
The 244 mi from Columbia to Des Moines translate to about 4h 53m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
244 mi · 4h 53m by car · IA → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, IA 5, IA 92 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Des Moines and Columbia is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 2.5% below Columbia — $321,091 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 36.6" |
Climate cools by 5.3°F on the annual average — 56.2°F → 50.9°F.
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: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Columbia ($64,488) and Des Moines ($63,966) are within a few percent (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 Missouri 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.
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
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $64,488 in Columbia — a 0.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 56.2°F in Columbia (5.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 17.4 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 44.8 in.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 2.5% higher than Columbia (91.701 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 53m via US 63 and IA 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $321,091 in Columbia — a 35.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Columbia 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 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO · Des Moines, IA.