Moving from Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating 781 mi from Des Moines to Pittsburgh is a 14h 28m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
781 mi Β· 14h 28m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.2% above Des Moines β $208,166 β $237,533 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 41.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.21 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 0.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 781 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.2% higher than Des Moines (94.671 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 14.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 781 mi and the route typically takes 14h 28m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 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 Β· Pittsburgh, PA.