Moving from Des Moines, IA to Cambridge, MA
A move from Des Moines, IA to Cambridge, MA covers 1308 mi and around 24h 34m of driving through 9 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.
1308 mi Β· 24h 34m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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
| Des Moines | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 108.266 in Cambridge, a 18.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cambridge: 18.1% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 18.1% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 400.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 97.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1308 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1308 mi and the route typically takes 24h 34m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 18.1% higher than Des Moines (108.266 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· Cambridge, MA.