Moving from Des Moines, IA to Springfield, MA
Relocating 1222 mi from Des Moines to Springfield is a 23h 12m drive through 7 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.
1222 mi Β· 23h 12m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 96.061 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 154.996 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 75.781 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 45.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 154,751 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $51,339 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 10.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.67 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.8% lower in Springfield than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1222 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 41.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 19.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.8% higher than Des Moines (96.061 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1222 mi and the route typically takes 23h 12m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Springfield, MA.