Moving from Naperville, IL to Des Moines, IA
It is a 308 mi drive, roughly 5h 46m, between Naperville, IL and Des Moines, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
308 mi Β· 5h 46m by car Β· IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Naperville at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $610,454 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Naperville (49.2Β°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: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.36 |
Des Moines households earn about 11.5% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 β $63,966 on ACS 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 Illinois 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.
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 Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 11.5% lower than Naperville (91.701 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 65.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 57.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Naperville 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 308 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 Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 5h 46m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Des Moines, IA.