Moving from Des Moines, IA to Salt Lake City, UT
Relocating 1069 mi from Des Moines to Salt Lake City is a 18h 10m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1069 mi · 18h 10m by car · IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 235 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, West Jordan, West Valley City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Salt Lake City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Salt Lake City runs about 10.0% more expensive overall than Des Moines — RPP 91.701 → 100.868.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $573,181 in Salt Lake City, a 10.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Salt Lake City +1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 17.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 55.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Salt Lake City sees 49.0 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, SALT LAKE TRIAD CTR, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 203,888 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $74,925 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.0% higher in Salt Lake City than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Salt Lake City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
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: Salt Lake City averages 49.0 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 Salt Lake City average 91°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 does household income compare in Des Moines vs Salt Lake City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,925 in Salt Lake City vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 17.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Salt Lake City compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the Salt Lake City MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Salt Lake City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.8°F in Salt Lake City vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (4.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 49.0 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 17.7 in vs 36.6 in.
Is Salt Lake City more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Salt Lake City is 10.0% higher than Des Moines (100.868 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 Salt Lake City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1069 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Salt Lake City, UT from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1069 mi and the route typically takes 18h 10m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Salt Lake City compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,181 in Salt Lake City vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 175.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Salt Lake City, UT.