Moving from Des Moines, IA to Minneapolis, MN
The 244 mi from Des Moines to Minneapolis translate to about 4h 33m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
244 mi · 4h 33m by car · MN → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35W, I 35, CR 35 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Minneapolis is 14.3% higher than Des Moines, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Minneapolis is 14.3% above Des Moines — $208,166 vs $330,882 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 46°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 8°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 34.4" |
Climate cools by 5.1°F on the annual average — 50.9°F → 45.8°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.3% between Des Moines and Minneapolis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 59.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 33m via I 35W and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 14.3% higher than Des Moines (104.822 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 Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 244 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 Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 25.5% higher 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 · Minneapolis, MN.