Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Des Moines, IA
It is 1804 mi and 30h 58m from Hillsboro to Des Moines β a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1804 mi Β· 30h 58m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Hillsboro at 105.421.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $522,557 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Hillsboro (52.5Β°F) and Des Moines (50.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.0% β $103,207 β $63,966 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β 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.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter 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
- Winter gear first: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 60.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1804 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 1804 mi and the route typically takes 30h 58m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 13.0% lower than Hillsboro (91.701 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 38.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Des Moines, IA.