Moving from Green Bay, WI to Des Moines, IA
The 424 mi from Green Bay to Des Moines translate to about 8h 33m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
424 mi Β· 8h 33m by car Β· IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 30, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Des Moines and Green Bay is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 1.5% below Green Bay β $278,024 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 36.6" |
Climate warms by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 50.9Β°F.
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Green Bay ($62,546) and Des Moines ($63,966) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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 Wisconsin 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 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June β 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 Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 424 mi and the route typically takes 8h 33m via US 151 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 1.5% lower than Green Bay (91.701 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 2.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 424 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 25.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 171,590 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Des Moines, IA.