Moving from Tyler, TX to Des Moines, IA
The drive from Tyler, TX to Des Moines, IA runs 723 mi β about 13h 39m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
723 mi Β· 13h 39m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 69, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines and Tyler are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.156 vs 91.701); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.5% lower in Des Moines than Tyler as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 36.6" |
NOAA normals show Des Moines running 15.6Β°F below Tyler on the annual mean.
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: TYLER, TX US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.36 |
Household income lines up β $65,527 vs $63,966 on 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 Texas 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.
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 (15.6Β°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 does household income compare in Tyler vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 2.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 17.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tyler 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 723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 0.5% lower than Tyler (91.701 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 723 mi and the route typically takes 13h 39m via I 35 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Des Moines, IA.