Moving from Lowell, MA to Des Moines, IA
It is 1316 mi between Lowell and Des Moines β roughly 24h 43m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1316 mi Β· 24h 43m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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
| Lowell | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 15.3% moving from Lowell to Des Moines β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $480,319 in Lowell to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 15.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 50.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 15.3% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Massachusetts 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
- 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.
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 does household income compare in Lowell vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 16.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lowell 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 1316 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 15.3% lower than Lowell (91.701 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 56.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1316 mi and the route typically takes 24h 43m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Des Moines, IA.