Moving from Provo, UT to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 1083 mi from Provo to Des Moines is a 18h 32m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1083 mi · 18h 32m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, US 189 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Provo | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.232 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.63 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.081 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.6% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Provo at 98.232.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.6% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $484,203 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Provo +2.3%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Provo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.9" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.2" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Provo (54.6°F) and Des Moines (50.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVO BYU, UT US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Provo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,303 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $62,800 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 23.7 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.35 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Provo ($62,800) 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 Utah 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Provo 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 1083 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Provo vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $62,800 in Provo — a 1.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Provo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 6.6% lower than Provo (91.701 vs 98.232, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Provo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $484,203 in Provo — a 57.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Provo, UT?
The driving distance is 1083 mi and the route typically takes 18h 32m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Provo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,700 in the Provo MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 293,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Provo and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 54.6°F in Provo (3.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 44.9 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 17.2 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Provo.
City profiles: Provo, UT · Des Moines, IA.