Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Des Moines, IA covers 373 mi and about 6h 56m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
373 mi · 6h 56m by car · WI → IL → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 96.937 to 91.701, putting Des Moines roughly 5.4% below Milwaukee on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Des Moines ZHVI at $208,166 is 5.4% below Milwaukee at $220,137.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 36.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.5 in of snowfall annually at Des Moines.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 5.4% above Milwaukee ($51,888 vs $63,966, 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 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 — 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 373 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 5.4% lower than Milwaukee (91.701 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (2.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 33.8 in.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 5.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 23.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 373 mi and the route typically takes 6h 56m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 3 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 Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Des Moines, IA.