Moving from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ
A move from Des Moines, IA to Jersey City, NJ covers 1105 mi and around 20h 32m of driving through 6 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.
1105 mi · 20h 32m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 22.8% higher overall in Jersey City vs Des Moines on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jersey City: 22.8% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 50.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Jersey City.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Jersey City is 22.8% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $94,813, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 48.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1105 mi and the route typically takes 20h 32m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 216.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1105 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (3.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 36.6 in.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 22.8% higher than Des Moines (112.563 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Jersey City, NJ.