Moving from St. Paul, MN to Des Moines, IA
It is a 246 mi drive, roughly 4h 33m, between St. Paul, MN and Des Moines, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
246 mi Β· 4h 33m by car Β· MN β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 35, US 18 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | 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 |
Expect about 12.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs St. Paul at 104.822.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in St. Paul (46.5Β°F) and Des Moines (50.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 12.5% less at the median β 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 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
Is Des Moines more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 12.5% lower than St. Paul (91.701 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul 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 246 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 St. Paul vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 12.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul 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.
How far is Des Moines, IA from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 246 mi and the route typically takes 4h 33m via I 35E and I 35. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Des Moines, IA.