Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Greeley, CO
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Greeley, CO covers 762 mi and around 13h 51m of driving through 3 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.
762 mi Β· 13h 51m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Greeley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 100.176 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 81.997 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 112.599 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Greeley is 12.6% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Greeley is 12.6% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $420,464 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Greeley -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 14.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Greeley (52.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Greeley averages 34.9 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, GREELEY UNC, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 109,421 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $68,650 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 32.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 15.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.81 |
Median household incomes in Cedar Rapids ($67,859) and Greeley ($68,650) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greeley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,370 | $46,100 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 11,010 | $52,590 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,590 | $47,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,120 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,660 | $32,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Greeley averages 34.9 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 Greeley average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Greeley sees only 14.7 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Greeley, CO from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 762 mi and the route typically takes 13h 51m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Greeley more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greeley is 12.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (100.176 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Greeley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 762 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Greeley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $68,650 in Greeley vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 1.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Greeley compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,464 in Greeley vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 106.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Greeley compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,140 in the Greeley MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 111,210 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· Greeley, CO.