Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Boise City, ID
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Boise City, ID covers 1478 mi and around 25h 1m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1478 mi Β· 25h 1m by car Β· ID β UT β WY β NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β UT β WY β NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Boise City is 10.6% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Boise City β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 11.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Boise City (53.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boise City averages 17.6 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: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.37 |
Median household income in Boise City is 10.6% above Cedar Rapids ($67,859 β $81,308, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boise City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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 β 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: Boise City averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Boise City sees only 11.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Boise City compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 19.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1478 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Boise City more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 10.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (98.391 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boise City, ID from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1478 mi and the route typically takes 25h 1m via I 80 and US 189. 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Boise City, ID.