Moving from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA
A move from Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA covers 1077 mi and around 19h 51m of driving through 5 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.
1077 mi · 19h 51m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Philadelphia is 11.8% 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 Philadelphia is 11.8% above Des Moines ($231,815 vs $208,166 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 50.7" |
Philadelphia runs 6.8°F warmer on the annual average (50.9°F vs 57.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Philadelphia averages 16.1 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, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 11.8% below Des Moines ($63,966 → $60,698, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1077 mi and the route typically takes 19h 51m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 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 Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1077 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (6.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 36.6 in.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 5.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 11.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 11.8% higher than Des Moines (102.554 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Philadelphia, PA.