Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Des Moines, IA
The 244 mi from Minneapolis to Des Moines translate to about 4h 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.
244 mi Β· 4h 33m by car Β· MN β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35W, I 35, CR 35 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.822 to 91.701, putting Des Moines roughly 12.5% below Minneapolis on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Des Moines: 12.5% below Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 36.6" |
Climate warms by 5.1Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 50.9Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.5% between Minneapolis and Des Moines (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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 37.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 33m via I 35W and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 12.5% lower than Minneapolis (91.701 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 20.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis 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 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Des Moines, IA.