Moving from Des Moines, IA to Miramar, FL
A 1557 mi cross-country move between Des Moines and Miramar is 28h 60m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1557 mi Β· 28h 60m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Miramar | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP climbs from 91.701 in Des Moines to 114.155 in Miramar, putting overall prices 24.5% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 24.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $518,019 moving to Miramar.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Miramar -3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Miramar |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 62.7" |
Expect 26.0Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Miramar |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 135,986 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $86,109 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 39.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 22.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3.06 |
Miramar households earn about 24.5% more than Des Moines at the median β $63,966 β $86,109 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Miramar MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-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 Miramar average 91Β°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: Miramar averages 62.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Miramar?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $86,109 in Miramar vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 34.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Miramar compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miramar MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Miramar compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $518,019 in Miramar vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 148.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Miramar more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miramar is 24.5% higher than Des Moines (114.155 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Miramar, FL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1557 mi and the route typically takes 28h 60m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Miramar?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1557 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· Miramar, FL.