Moving from Des Moines, IA to South Fulton, GA
The drive from Des Moines, IA to South Fulton, GA runs 913 mi — about 17h 25m 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.
913 mi · 17h 25m by car · IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, IA 163, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | South Fulton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 100.058 in South Fulton, a 9.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, South Fulton —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 12.7°F on the annual average — 50.9°F → 63.6°F.
Light snow year: South Fulton gets around 2.2 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 109,157 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $81,798 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.76 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.1% between Des Moines and South Fulton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Fulton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 South Fulton average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: South Fulton averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is South Fulton more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Fulton is 9.1% higher than Des Moines (100.058 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is South Fulton, GA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 913 mi and the route typically takes 17h 25m via I 24 and IA 163. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs South Fulton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,798 in South Fulton vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 27.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and South Fulton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.6°F in South Fulton vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (12.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to South Fulton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 913 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in South Fulton compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · South Fulton, GA.