Moving from League City, TX to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 957 mi from League City to Des Moines is a 17h 38m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
957 mi · 17h 38m by car · IA → MO → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 45, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| League City | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.0% moving from League City to Des Moines — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $372,300 in League City to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 7.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: League City -1.0%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | League City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 46°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.2" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperature drops 19.7°F — 70.6°F in League City vs 50.9°F in Des Moines, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HOUSTON NWSO, TX US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | League City | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,885 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $119,870 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.0% — $119,870 → $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 Texas 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Des Moines averages 36.5 in annually vs 0.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season runs April through June — 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
What is the climate difference between League City and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 70.6°F in League City (19.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 0.2 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 60.2 in.
When is the best time to move from League City to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 957 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than League City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 7.0% lower than League City (91.701 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from League City, TX?
The driving distance is 957 mi and the route typically takes 17h 38m via US 69 and I 45. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in League City vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $119,870 in League City — a 46.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to League City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $46,960 in the League City MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to League City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $372,300 in League City — a 44.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from League City.
City profiles: League City, TX · Des Moines, IA.