Moving from Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO
A move from Des Moines, IA to Denver, CO covers 670 mi and around 11h 39m of driving through 3 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.
670 mi · 11h 39m by car · CO → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 235 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Denver | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 15.4% pricier overall in Denver than Des Moines on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Denver typical home at $539,666 is 15.4% above Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 15.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 51.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Denver sees 49.0 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.17 |
Median household income in Denver is 15.4% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $91,681, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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: Denver averages 49.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denver average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Denver, CO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Denver compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $539,666 in Denver vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 159.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 670 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Denver more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 15.4% higher than Des Moines (105.782 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Denver?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Denver vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (0.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 49.0 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 15.4 in vs 36.6 in.
How does the job market in Denver compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Denver MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 43.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Denver, CO.