Moving from Des Moines, IA to Chicago, IL
It is a 334 mi drive, roughly 6h 17m, between Des Moines, IA and Chicago, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
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
| Des Moines | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.0% 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 13.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $317,283 moving to Chicago.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
Households in Chicago earn about 13.0% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
Is Chicago more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 13.0% higher than Des Moines (103.595 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 52.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Des Moines, IA?
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.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 17.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Chicago?
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.
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· Chicago, IL.