Moving from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO
A move from Des Moines, IA to Colorado Springs, CO covers 740 mi and around 12h 52m 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.
740 mi · 12h 52m by car · CO → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Lakewood, Denver, Aurora, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Colorado Springs is 9.8% higher than Des Moines, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Colorado Springs is 9.8% above Des Moines — $208,166 vs $449,452 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 15.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9°F) and Colorado Springs (50.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.44 |
Median household income in Colorado Springs is 9.8% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $83,198, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
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 — 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: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 740 mi and the route typically takes 12h 52m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 9.8% higher than Des Moines (100.707 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (0.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 740 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 115.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 30.1% 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 · Colorado Springs, CO.