Moving from Des Moines, IA to Carrollton, TX
A move from Des Moines, IA to Carrollton, TX covers 729 mi and around 12h 50m of driving through 5 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.
729 mi Β· 12h 50m by car Β· IA β MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Carrollton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 103.09 in Carrollton, a 12.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Carrollton: 12.4% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Carrollton -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 41.9" |
Carrollton runs 14.9Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.9Β°F vs 65.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 132,741 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $99,115 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Carrollton is 12.4% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $99,115, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carrollton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Carrollton average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Carrollton, TX from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 729 mi and the route typically takes 12h 50m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Carrollton compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $406,040 in Carrollton vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 95.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Carrollton compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Carrollton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 729 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Carrollton more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carrollton is 12.4% higher than Des Moines (103.09 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Carrollton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $99,115 in Carrollton vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 54.9% higher 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Carrollton, TX.