Moving from Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA
A move from Denver, CO to Des Moines, IA covers 670 mi and around 11h 39m of driving through 3 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.
670 mi · 11h 39m by car · CO → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 235 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Des Moines are 13.3% below Denver — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Des Moines typical home at $208,166 is 13.3% under Denver at $539,666 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Denver | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.4°F vs 50.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 13.3% below Denver ($91,681 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts 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
How does household income compare in Denver vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $91,681 in Denver — a 30.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Denver 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 670 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 13.3% lower than Denver (91.701 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Denver and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 51.4°F in Denver (0.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 49.0 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 15.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $539,666 in Denver — a 61.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Denver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $58,490 in the Denver MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO · Des Moines, IA.