Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Everett, WA

Cross-country relocations like Cedar Rapids, IA β†’ Everett, WA cover 1852 mi and about 32h 31m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.

1852 mi Β· 32h 31m by car Β· IA β†’ MN β†’ SD β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA

COL +24.9% Home values +224.7% Ξ” +3.8Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1852 mi
Drive time
32h 31m
States
6
Fuel (25 mpg)
74 gal
Route throughIA β†’ MN β†’ SD β†’ MT β†’ ID β†’ WA
Primary highwaysI 90, US 212, IA 27
Major cities en routeSioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Kent

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Cedar RapidsEverettU.S. avg
All items (RPP)88.963111.133100.0
Rents83.98192.814100.0
Goods93.73103.972100.0
Services71.447151.314100.0

Overall price level in Everett runs 24.9% higher than Cedar Rapids β€” a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (88.963 β†’ 111.133, 2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Cedar Rapids β€” typical home
$204,112
Everett β€” typical home
$662,786
Cedar Rapids β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo
Everett β€” typical rent
$1,885/mo

Typical home value in Everett is 24.9% above Cedar Rapids β€” $204,112 vs $662,786 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.

YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Everett -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCedar RapidsEverett
Annual avg temperature48Β°F52Β°F
January avg low11Β°F35Β°F
July avg high83Β°F75Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation35.9"40.3"

Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Everett (52.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, EVERETT, WA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Cedar RapidsEverett
Population136,859111,083
Median household income$67,859$81,502
Median age36.937.1
Bachelor's degree or higher22.2%19.8%
Avg household size2.322.51

Income gap is large: median household income climbs 24.9% between Cedar Rapids and Everett (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Cedar Rapids MSA β€” median wage
$47,670
Everett MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
Cedar Rapids MSA β€” employment
140,020
Everett MSA β€” employment
2,079,090

Top occupations in Everett MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 225,240 $54,470
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 197,190 $97,870
Sales and Related Occupations 190,190 $48,950
Computer and Mathematical Occupations 171,820 $140,760
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 167,750 $40,980

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Iowa and Washington

Iowa income tax
3.8% top marginal
Washington income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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 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

  • I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β€” check MnDOT 511.
  • I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β€” check SD 511 November through April.
  • Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β€” check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
  • Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
  • Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β€” check WSDOT mountain passes report.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
  • 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 Washington after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Everett, WA from Cedar Rapids, IA?

The driving distance is 1852 mi and the route typically takes 32h 31m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Everett?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,502 in Everett vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 20.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Everett more expensive than Cedar Rapids?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Everett is 24.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (111.133 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Everett compared to Cedar Rapids?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $662,786 in Everett vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 224.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Everett?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1852 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 Everett compare to Cedar Rapids?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Everett MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 140,020 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 Cedar Rapids.

City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Everett, WA.

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