Moving from Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN
Relocating 791 mi from Des Moines to Chattanooga is a 15h 7m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
791 mi · 15h 7m by car · IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → IL → KY → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, IA 163, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Des Moines and Chattanooga sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $319,579 in Chattanooga, a 0.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 55.0" |
Expect 11.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.6 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.35 |
Household income lines up — $63,966 vs $61,028 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Chattanooga average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 0.3% lower than Des Moines (91.464 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 791 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 53.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Chattanooga?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Chattanooga vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (11.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.6 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 55.0 in vs 36.6 in.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 791 mi and the route typically takes 15h 7m via I 24 and IA 163. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 4.6% 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Chattanooga, TN.