Moving from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA
Relocating between Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA is a 334 mi drive β 6h 17m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
334 mi Β· 6h 17m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.5% moving from Chicago to Des Moines β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $317,283 in Chicago to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 11.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°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: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.5% lower in Des Moines than Chicago.
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 Illinois 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
Is Des Moines more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 11.5% lower than Chicago (91.701 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 34.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 334 mi and the route typically takes 6h 17m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago 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 334 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Des Moines, IA.