Moving from Gresham, OR to Des Moines, IA
Cross-country relocations like Gresham, OR β Des Moines, IA cover 1778 mi and about 30h 21m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1778 mi Β· 30h 21m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines is 13.0% cheaper than Gresham overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 13.0% below Gresham β $471,181 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Gresham (54.7Β°F) and Des Moines (50.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.36 |
Income steps down 13.0%: $73,608 in Gresham vs $63,966 in Des Moines.
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 Oregon 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 55.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 1778 mi and the route typically takes 30h 21m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Gresham vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 13.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Gresham 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 1778 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 13.0% lower than Gresham (91.701 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Des Moines, IA.