Moving from West Jordan, UT to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 1076 mi from West Jordan to Des Moines is a 18h 22m 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.
1076 mi Β· 18h 22m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 215 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Jordan | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.1% cheaper overall in Des Moines than West Jordan on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: West Jordan +1.7%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Jordan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 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: DRAPER-POINT OF MTN, UT US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Jordan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,277 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $103,960 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.1% β $103,960 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 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 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β 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 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 West Jordan?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 9.1% lower than West Jordan (91.701 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in West Jordan vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $103,960 in West Jordan β a 38.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from West Jordan 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 1076 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 West Jordan, UT?
The driving distance is 1076 mi and the route typically takes 18h 22m 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 West Jordan?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $49,440 in the West Jordan MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 803,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to West Jordan?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $561,836 in West Jordan β a 62.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Jordan.
City profiles: West Jordan, UT Β· Des Moines, IA.