Moving from San Mateo, CA to Des Moines, IA
A 1817 mi cross-country move between San Mateo and Des Moines is 31h 4m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1817 mi Β· 31h 4m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, US 101 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Mateo | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines sits 20.7% cheaper than San Mateo on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,686,905 in San Mateo to $208,166 in Des Moines, a 20.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: San Mateo +0.6%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Mateo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 73Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 19.6" | 36.6" |
Annual temperature drops 7.8Β°F moving to Des Moines per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Mateo | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,555 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $152,669 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 38 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Des Moines households earn about 20.7% less than San Mateo at the median β $152,669 β $63,966 on 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 California 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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 far is Des Moines, IA from San Mateo, CA?
The driving distance is 1817 mi and the route typically takes 31h 4m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from San Mateo 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 1817 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 San Mateo vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $152,669 in San Mateo β a 58.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to San Mateo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $1,686,905 in San Mateo β a 87.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to San Mateo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than San Mateo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 20.7% lower than San Mateo (91.701 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Mateo.
City profiles: San Mateo, CA Β· Des Moines, IA.