Moving from Des Moines, IA to Kent, WA
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Kent, WA is a 1756 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 35m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1756 mi Β· 30h 35m by car Β· IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 21.2% pricier overall price level β 91.701 β 111.133 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Kent typical home at $656,314 is 21.2% above Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 40.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.9Β°F vs 53.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.89 |
Median household income in Kent is 21.2% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $90,416, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 215.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 41.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1756 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Kent more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 21.2% higher than Des Moines (111.133 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Kent, WA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1756 mi and the route typically takes 30h 35m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Kent, WA.