Moving from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and St. Paul, MN is a 246 mi drive — 4h 33m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
246 mi · 4h 33m by car · MN → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 35, US 18 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | St. Paul | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, St. Paul —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 9°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 29.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9°F) and St. Paul (46.5°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, ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 307,762 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $73,055 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.5 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 14.3% higher in St. Paul than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Paul MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
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.
Frequently asked
How far is St. Paul, MN from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 246 mi and the route typically takes 4h 33m via I 35E and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in St. Paul compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to St. Paul?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 246 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is St. Paul more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Paul is 14.3% higher than Des Moines (104.822 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs St. Paul?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,055 in St. Paul vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 14.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · St. Paul, MN.