Moving from Worcester, MA to Des Moines, IA
The drive from Worcester, MA to Des Moines, IA runs 1274 mi — about 23h 53m 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.
1274 mi · 23h 53m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Des Moines are 10.6% below Worcester — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Des Moines typical home at $208,166 is 10.6% under Worcester at $430,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.1°F vs 50.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Income steps down 10.6%: $67,544 in Worcester vs $63,966 in Des Moines.
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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Des Moines?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.9°F in Des Moines vs 48.1°F in Worcester (2.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.5 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 36.6 in vs 48.3 in.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 10.6% lower than Worcester (91.701 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 5.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1274 mi and the route typically takes 23h 53m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 1274 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 51.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Des Moines, IA.