Moving from Des Moines, IA to Meridian, ID
The drive from Des Moines, IA to Meridian, ID runs 1371 mi — about 22h 57m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1371 mi · 22h 57m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Nampa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Meridian | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 98.391 in Meridian, a 7.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Meridian: 7.3% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Meridian 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 11.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 17.6 in of snowfall annually at Meridian.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Meridian |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 124,865 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $98,686 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 29.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.75 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.3% between Des Moines and Meridian (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Meridian MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Meridian averages 17.6 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 Meridian average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Meridian sees only 11.5 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Meridian, ID from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1371 mi and the route typically takes 22h 57m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Meridian compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Meridian MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Meridian more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Meridian is 7.3% higher than Des Moines (98.391 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Meridian?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1371 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Meridian?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $98,686 in Meridian vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 54.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Meridian?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Meridian vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (2.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Meridian compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $526,994 in Meridian vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 153.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Meridian, ID.