Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Des Moines, IA
A move from Elizabeth, NJ to Des Moines, IA covers 1102 mi and around 20h 34m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1102 mi · 20h 34m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 91.701, putting Des Moines roughly 18.5% below Elizabeth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Des Moines: 18.5% below Elizabeth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 36.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.36 |
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 Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Des Moines, IA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 1102 mi and the route typically takes 20h 34m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 0.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1102 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 61.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (4.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 46.6 in.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 18.5% lower than Elizabeth (91.701 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 9,495,240 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Des Moines, IA.