Moving from Richardson, TX to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 679 mi from Richardson to Des Moines is a 12h 43m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
679 mi Β· 12h 43m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 35, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.0% moving from Richardson to Des Moines β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $440,400 in Richardson to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 11.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 36.6" |
Expect 14.9Β°F colder year-round on the 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: RICHARDSON, TX US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.0% β $96,257 β $63,966 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Des Moines more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 11.0% lower than Richardson (91.701 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Richardson 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 679 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 679 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 33.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 52.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Des Moines, IA.