Moving from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Relocating between Omaha, NE and Des Moines, IA is a 144 mi drive β 2h 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.
144 mi Β· 2h 44m by car Β· NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 235 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.911 vs 91.701 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,189 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3Β°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: OMAHA #1, NE US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.2% lower in Des Moines than Omaha.
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 Nebraska 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
When is the best time to move from Omaha 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 144 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 12.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 29.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 0.2% lower than Omaha (91.701 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 144 mi and the route typically takes 2h 44m via I 80 and I 235. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Des Moines, IA.