Moving from Des Moines, IA to Spokane Valley, WA
Relocating 1471 mi from Des Moines to Spokane Valley is a 25h 18m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1471 mi Β· 25h 18m by car Β· IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Spokane Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.4% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $408,888 moving to Spokane Valley.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Spokane Valley +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 17.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9Β°F) and Spokane Valley (49.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 105,460 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $70,722 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.4% higher in Spokane Valley than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Spokane Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,722 in Spokane Valley vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 10.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Spokane Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1471 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Spokane Valley, WA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1471 mi and the route typically takes 25h 18m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Spokane Valley compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Spokane Valley compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $408,888 in Spokane Valley vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 96.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Spokane Valley more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane Valley is 9.4% higher than Des Moines (100.346 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 Β· Spokane Valley, WA.