Moving from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX
A move from Des Moines, IA to Austin, TX covers 926 mi and around 16h 14m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
926 mi · 16h 14m by car · TX → OK → KS → MO → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS → MO → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 98.066 in Austin, a 6.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Austin: 6.9% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 42°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 36.3" |
Major climate step-up: 19.1°F warmer annual average in Austin vs Des Moines.
Effectively snow-free year in Austin — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.2 |
Median household income in Austin is 6.9% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $91,461, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 926 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 43.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Austin, TX from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 926 mi and the route typically takes 16h 14m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Austin more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 6.9% higher than Des Moines (98.066 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 144.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Austin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.0°F in Austin vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (19.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.2 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 36.3 in vs 36.6 in.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 383,190 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Austin, TX.