Moving from Des Moines, IA to Reno, NV
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Reno, NV is a 1586 mi cross-country relocation — about 26h 35m of driving through 5 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.
1586 mi · 26h 35m by car · NV → UT → WY → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → UT → WY → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 235, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Reno | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 101.014 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 89.274 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.271 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 123.478 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.2% pricier overall in Reno than Des Moines on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Reno typical home at $567,857 is 10.2% above Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Reno -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 29.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 8.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 54.5°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Reno sees 29.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, RENO WFO, NV US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Reno |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 268,959 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $78,448 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Reno is 10.2% above Des Moines ($63,966 vs $78,448, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Reno MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,990 | $45,200 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 30,330 | $42,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,210 | $30,270 |
| Management Occupations | 21,700 | $97,370 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,500 | $36,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Nevada
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nevada'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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Reno averages 29.7 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 Reno average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Reno sees only 8.1 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Nevada after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Reno?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,448 in Reno vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 22.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Reno?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.5°F in Reno vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 29.7 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.1 in vs 36.6 in.
How does the job market in Reno compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,540 in the Reno MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 254,100 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Reno compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $567,857 in Reno vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 172.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Reno, NV from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1586 mi and the route typically takes 26h 35m via I 80 and I 235. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Reno more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Reno is 10.2% higher than Des Moines (101.014 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 Reno?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1586 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 · Reno, NV.