Moving from Des Moines, IA to Yonkers, NY
The drive from Des Moines, IA to Yonkers, NY runs 1119 mi — about 20h 51m 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.
1119 mi · 20h 51m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| 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 | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall price level in Yonkers runs 22.8% higher than Des Moines — a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (91.701 → 112.563, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Yonkers is 22.8% above Des Moines — $208,166 vs $680,218 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 51.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9°F) and Yonkers (53.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Yonkers averages 32.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 22.8% between Des Moines and Yonkers (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- 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 — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 27.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Yonkers?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.4°F in Yonkers vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (2.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.7 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 51.2 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1119 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 226.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1119 mi and the route typically takes 20h 51m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 22.8% higher than Des Moines (112.563 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 · Yonkers, NY.