Moving from Des Moines, IA to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Broken Arrow, OK is a 455 mi drive β 8h 18m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
455 mi Β· 8h 18m by car Β· IA β MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.701 vs 89.214 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $286,846 moving to Broken Arrow.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | β |
Expect 9.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.7% β $63,966 β $85,220 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 455 mi and the route typically takes 8h 18m via I 35 and I 49. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 37.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 33.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 455 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 2.7% lower than Des Moines (89.214 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Broken Arrow, OK.