Moving from Madison, WI to Des Moines, IA
Relocating between Madison, WI and Des Moines, IA is a 282 mi drive β 5h 44m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
282 mi Β· 5h 44m by car Β· WI β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 30, IA 330 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.7% moving from Madison 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 $423,767 in Madison to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 5.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.2Β°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: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.7% lower in Des Moines than Madison.
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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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
Is Des Moines more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 5.7% lower than Madison (91.701 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $76,983 in Madison β a 16.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 282 mi and the route typically takes 5h 44m via US 151 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison 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 282 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $423,767 in Madison β a 50.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Des Moines, IA.