Moving from Kent, WA to Des Moines, IA
Moving from Kent, WA to Des Moines, IA is a 1756 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 35m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1756 mi Β· 30h 35m by car Β· IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Des Moines are 17.5% below Kent β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Des Moines typical home at $208,166 is 17.5% under Kent at $656,314 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.8Β°F vs 50.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 17.5% below Kent ($90,416 vs $63,966, ACS 5-year 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 Washington 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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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
When is the best time to move from Kent 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 1756 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $90,416 in Kent β a 29.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 1756 mi and the route typically takes 30h 35m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $656,314 in Kent β a 68.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 17.5% lower than Kent (91.701 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 2,079,090 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 Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Des Moines, IA.