Moving from Pearland, TX to Des Moines, IA
Relocating 950 mi from Pearland to Des Moines is a 17h 33m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
950 mi Β· 17h 33m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 45, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pearland | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Des Moines at 91.701 vs Pearland at 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $382,157 to $208,166 moving to Des Moines.
YoY change: Pearland -0.8%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pearland | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.3" | 36.6" |
Expect 20.4Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
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: HOUSTON CLOVER FLD, TX US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pearland | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,983 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $112,470 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.6% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.0% β $112,470 β $63,966 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 far is Des Moines, IA from Pearland, TX?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 17h 33m via US 69 and I 45. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Pearland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 7.0% lower than Pearland (91.701 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pearland 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 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Pearland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $382,157 in Pearland β a 45.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Pearland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $46,960 in the Pearland MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pearland vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $112,470 in Pearland β a 43.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pearland.
City profiles: Pearland, TX Β· Des Moines, IA.