Moving from Des Moines, IA to Omaha, NE
It is a 144 mi drive, roughly 2h 44m, between Des Moines, IA and Omaha, NE. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
144 mi · 2h 44m by car · NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 235 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.701 vs 91.911 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.2% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $294,189 moving to Omaha.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9°F) and Omaha (51.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.44 |
Households in Omaha earn about 0.2% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 41.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Omaha more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 0.2% higher than Des Moines (91.911 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 13.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 144 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Omaha, NE from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 144 mi and the route typically takes 2h 44m via I 80 and I 235. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Omaha, NE.