Moving from Des Moines, IA to Everett, WA
A 1779 mi cross-country move between Des Moines and Everett is 30h 59m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1779 mi Β· 30h 59m by car Β· IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Everett | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 91.701 in Des Moines to 111.133 in Everett, putting overall prices 21.2% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 21.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $662,786 moving to Everett.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Everett -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 40.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Everett (52.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, EVERETT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 111,083 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $81,502 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.51 |
Everett households earn about 21.2% more than Des Moines at the median β $63,966 β $81,502 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Everett MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Everett?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1779 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Everett more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Everett is 21.2% higher than Des Moines (111.133 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Everett compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $662,786 in Everett vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 218.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Everett compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Everett MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Everett, WA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1779 mi and the route typically takes 30h 59m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Everett?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,502 in Everett vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 27.4% 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 Β· Everett, WA.