Moving from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA
A move from Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA covers 1285 mi and around 24h 10m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1285 mi · 24h 10m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → RI
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → RI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines is 9.9% cheaper than Providence overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 9.9% below Providence — $426,007 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Providence (52.1°F) and Des Moines (50.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Des Moines averages 36.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in Providence ($66,772) and Des Moines ($63,966) are within a few percent (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 Rhode Island 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $426,007 in Providence — a 51.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 52.1°F in Providence (1.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 47.5 in.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 9.9% lower than Providence (91.701 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 1285 mi and the route typically takes 24h 10m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Providence 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 1285 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $66,772 in Providence — a 4.2% 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 Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Des Moines, IA.