Moving from Des Moines, IA to Rochester, MN
The 210 mi from Des Moines to Rochester translate to about 3h 56m 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.
210 mi · 3h 56m by car · IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 90, US 63 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Des Moines (91.701) and Rochester (90.821) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Rochester: 1.0% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 34.7" |
Climate cools by 6.1°F on the annual average — 50.9°F → 44.8°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.0% between Des Moines and Rochester (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rochester more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 1.0% lower than Des Moines (90.821 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 Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 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 Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 37.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (6.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 63.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rochester, MN from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 3h 56m via I 35 and I 90. 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 · Rochester, MN.