Moving from Des Moines, IA to Hollywood, FL
A 1548 mi cross-country move between Des Moines and Hollywood is 28h 51m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 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.
1548 mi Β· 28h 51m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Hollywood | 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 |
Hollywood is 24.5% more expensive than Des Moines on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $439,400 in Hollywood, a 24.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 65.0" |
Annual average temperature jumps 25.2Β°F β 50.9Β°F in Des Moines vs 76.1Β°F in Hollywood, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.53 |
Household income lines up β $63,966 vs $65,359 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (25.2Β°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 Hollywood compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 111.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 2.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1548 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood 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 Hollywood, FL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1548 mi and the route typically takes 28h 51m 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 Hollywood compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood 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.
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· Hollywood, FL.