Moving from Boise City, ID to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 1363 mi from Boise City to Des Moines is a 22h 47m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1363 mi · 22h 47m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.8% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Boise City at 98.391.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Boise City (53.2°F) and Des Moines (50.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.8% — $81,308 → $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 Idaho 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 — 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
Is Des Moines more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 6.8% lower than Boise City (91.701 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 1363 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 21.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 1363 mi and the route typically takes 22h 47m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 53.2°F in Boise City (2.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 11.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Des Moines, IA.