Moving from Des Moines, IA to Centennial, CO
Relocating 686 mi from Des Moines to Centennial is a 11h 58m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
686 mi Β· 11h 58m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Thornton, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.4% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $649,086 moving to Centennial.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 15.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Centennial (50.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.4% β $63,966 β $128,167 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Centennial, CO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 686 mi and the route typically takes 11h 58m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Centennial more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 15.4% higher than Des Moines (105.782 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 211.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 100.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 686 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Centennial, CO.