Moving from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA
Moving from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA is a 1586 mi cross-country relocation — about 26h 35m of driving through 5 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1586 mi · 26h 35m by car · NV → UT → WY → NE → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → UT → WY → NE → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 235, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines is 9.2% cheaper than Reno 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 9.2% below Reno — $567,857 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 36.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Reno (54.5°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: RENO WFO, NV US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 9.2% below Reno ($78,448 → $63,966, 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 Nevada 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
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 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 — 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 Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $567,857 in Reno — a 63.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 9.2% lower than Reno (91.701 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Reno and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 54.5°F in Reno (3.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 8.1 in.
How does household income compare in Reno vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $78,448 in Reno — a 18.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Reno 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 1586 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 1586 mi and the route typically takes 26h 35m via I 80 and I 235. The trip crosses 5 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 Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · Des Moines, IA.