Moving from Des Moines, IA to Sandy Springs, GA
The drive from Des Moines, IA to Sandy Springs, GA runs 897 mi β about 17h 5m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
897 mi Β· 17h 5m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, IA 163, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Sandy Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.1% pricier overall in Sandy Springs than Des Moines on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Sandy Springs typical home at $691,063 is 9.1% above Des Moines at $208,166 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Sandy Springs +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 51.4" |
Climate warms by 10.6Β°F on the annual average β 50.9Β°F β 61.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 107,198 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $101,593 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 39.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.06 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.1% between Des Moines and Sandy Springs (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sandy Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Sandy Springs averages 51.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Sandy Springs, GA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 897 mi and the route typically takes 17h 5m via I 24 and IA 163. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Sandy Springs more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sandy Springs is 9.1% higher than Des Moines (100.058 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Sandy Springs compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $691,063 in Sandy Springs vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 232.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Sandy Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,593 in Sandy Springs vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 58.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Sandy Springs compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 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 Sandy Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 897 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Sandy Springs, GA.