Moving from Des Moines, IA to Naperville, IL
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Naperville, IL is a 308 mi drive β 5h 46m 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.
308 mi Β· 5h 46m by car Β· IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Naperville | 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 |
Naperville runs about 13.0% more expensive overall than Des Moines β RPP 91.701 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $610,454 in Naperville, a 13.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 40.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.9Β°F vs 49.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.0% β $63,966 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville 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 Naperville more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville 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 far is Naperville, IL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 5h 46m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 193.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 308 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville 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 does household income compare in Des Moines vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 136.0% 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 Β· Naperville, IL.