Moving from Temecula, CA to Des Moines, IA
Moving from Temecula, CA to Des Moines, IA is a 1689 mi cross-country relocation β about 29h 22m of driving through 7 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.
1689 mi Β· 29h 22m by car Β· IA β NE β CO β UT β AZ β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO β UT β AZ β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80 EXPRESS, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Aurora, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Temecula | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines is 13.8% cheaper than Temecula overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Des Moines is 13.8% below Temecula β $766,379 vs $208,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Temecula -1.7%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Temecula | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.3" | 36.6" |
Des Moines is 14.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.1Β°F vs 50.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: FALLBROOK 5 NE, CA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Temecula | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 110,404 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $117,840 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.7% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.12 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Des Moines is 13.8% below Temecula ($117,840 vs $63,966, 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 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
- 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.
- 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.2Β°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 Temecula, CA?
The driving distance is 1689 mi and the route typically takes 29h 22m via I 70 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Temecula 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 1689 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Temecula?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $47,450 in the Temecula MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Temecula?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 13.8% lower than Temecula (91.701 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Temecula vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $117,840 in Temecula β a 45.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Temecula?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $766,379 in Temecula β a 72.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Temecula.
City profiles: Temecula, CA Β· Des Moines, IA.