Moving from Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA
A move from Toledo, OH to Des Moines, IA covers 560 mi and around 10h 28m of driving through 4 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.
560 mi Β· 10h 28m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Toledo (91.455) and Des Moines (91.701) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Des Moines: 0.3% above Toledo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 36.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 0.3% above Toledo ($47,532 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 Ohio 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Toledo 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 560 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 60.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Toledo vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 34.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 0.3% higher than Toledo (91.701 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 560 mi and the route typically takes 10h 28m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 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 Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Des Moines, IA.