Moving from Des Moines, IA to Provo, UT
It is 1083 mi between Des Moines and Provo — roughly 18h 32m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1083 mi · 18h 32m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, US 189 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.1% above Des Moines — 91.701 → 98.232 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.1% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 17.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.9 in of snowfall annually at Provo.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3.35 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Provo, UT from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1083 mi and the route typically takes 18h 32m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Provo?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.6°F in Provo vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (3.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.9 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 17.2 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 132.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Provo compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 293,170 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 Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 1.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Provo more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 7.1% higher than Des Moines (98.232 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1083 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Provo, UT.