Moving from Des Moines, IA to Greeley, CO
Relocating 648 mi from Des Moines to Greeley is a 11h 39m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
648 mi · 11h 39m by car · IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Greeley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.176 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 81.997 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 112.599 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.2% above Des Moines — 91.701 → 100.176 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.2% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Greeley -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 34.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 14.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 34.9 in of snowfall annually at Greeley.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, GREELEY UNC, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 109,421 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $68,650 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 32.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 15.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.81 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.2% higher in Greeley than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greeley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,370 | $46,100 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 11,010 | $52,590 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,590 | $47,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,120 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,660 | $32,760 |
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: Greeley averages 34.9 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 Greeley average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Greeley sees only 14.7 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 does household income compare in Des Moines vs Greeley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $68,650 in Greeley vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 7.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Greeley?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 648 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Greeley compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,464 in Greeley vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 102.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Greeley compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,140 in the Greeley MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 111,210 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Greeley more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greeley is 9.2% higher than Des Moines (100.176 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Greeley, CO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 648 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Greeley?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Greeley vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (1.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 34.9 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 14.7 in vs 36.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Greeley, CO.