Moving from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Kansas City, MO is a 190 mi drive — 3h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
190 mi · 3h 35m by car · MO → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.701 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $250,208 moving to Kansas City.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Kansas City +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 38.1" |
Expect 6.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Kansas City averages 11.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 508,233 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $67,449 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 23.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.9% higher in Kansas City than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Kansas City average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Kansas City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.9°F in Kansas City vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (6.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 11.0 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 38.1 in vs 36.6 in.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,449 in Kansas City vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 5.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 0.9% higher than Des Moines (92.543 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Kansas City, MO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 190 mi and the route typically takes 3h 35m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 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 Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 190 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $250,208 in Kansas City vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 20.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Kansas City, MO.