Moving from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ
The drive from Des Moines, IA to Phoenix, AZ runs 1435 mi β about 25h 46m 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.
1435 mi Β· 25h 46m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 103.316 in Phoenix, a 12.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Phoenix: 12.7% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 8.9" |
Major climate step-up: 21.6Β°F warmer annual average in Phoenix vs Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.7 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.7% between Des Moines and Phoenix (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 20.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1435 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1435 mi and the route typically takes 25h 46m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 12.7% higher than Des Moines (103.316 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 97.0% 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 Β· Phoenix, AZ.