Moving from Round Rock, TX to Des Moines, IA
A move from Round Rock, TX to Des Moines, IA covers 909 mi and around 16h 1m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
909 mi · 16h 1m by car · IA → MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines is 6.5% cheaper than Round Rock overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 6.5% below Round Rock — $407,077 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 6.5% below Round Rock ($97,187 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 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 — 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.
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
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 34.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock 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 909 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 6.5% lower than Round Rock (91.701 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 909 mi and the route typically takes 16h 1m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 48.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,235,440 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Des Moines, IA.