Moving from Des Moines, IA to Hialeah, FL
Cross-country relocations like Des Moines, IA β Hialeah, FL cover 1562 mi and about 29h 12m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1562 mi Β· 29h 12m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Hialeah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Hialeah runs 24.5% higher than Des Moines β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.701 β 114.155, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Hialeah is 24.5% above Des Moines β $208,166 vs $443,804 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Hialeah -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 62.7" |
Hialeah runs 26.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.9Β°F vs 76.9Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 221,901 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $53,079 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 45.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 14.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.87 |
Income steps down 24.5%: $63,966 in Des Moines vs $53,079 in Hialeah.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hialeah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Hialeah average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Hialeah averages 62.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Hialeah compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $443,804 in Hialeah vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 113.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Hialeah more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hialeah is 24.5% higher than Des Moines (114.155 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hialeah, FL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1562 mi and the route typically takes 29h 12m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hialeah compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hialeah MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Hialeah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1562 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Hialeah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,079 in Hialeah vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 17.0% lower 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· Hialeah, FL.