Moving from Pueblo, CO to Des Moines, IA
It is 785 mi between Pueblo and Des Moines β roughly 13h 36m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
785 mi Β· 13h 36m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pueblo | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.762 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.933 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.285 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Pueblo -1.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pueblo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.8" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: WFO PUEBLO, CO US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pueblo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,514 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $55,305 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 0.1% more at the median β 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 Colorado 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 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
How does household income compare in Pueblo vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $55,305 in Pueblo β a 15.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Pueblo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 0.1% lower than Pueblo (91.701 vs 91.762, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pueblo 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 785 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 Pueblo, CO?
The driving distance is 785 mi and the route typically takes 13h 36m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Pueblo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $46,540 in the Pueblo MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 63,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Pueblo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $283,603 in Pueblo β a 26.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pueblo.
City profiles: Pueblo, CO Β· Des Moines, IA.