Moving from Cambridge, MA to Des Moines, IA
A move from Cambridge, MA to Des Moines, IA covers 1308 mi and around 24h 34m of driving through 9 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.
1308 mi Β· 24h 34m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Des Moines are 15.3% below Cambridge β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Des Moines typical home at $208,166 is 15.3% under Cambridge at $1,041,569 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 50.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 15.3% below Cambridge ($126,469 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 49.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge 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 1308 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 Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1308 mi and the route typically takes 24h 34m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 80.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 15.3% lower than Cambridge (91.701 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Des Moines, IA.