Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Richardson, TX
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Richardson, TX covers 796 mi and around 14h 56m of driving through 4 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.
796 mi Β· 14h 56m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 35, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Richardson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 103.09 in Richardson, a 15.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Richardson: 15.9% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Richardson -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 41.9" |
Major climate step-up: 17.5Β°F warmer annual average in Richardson vs Cedar Rapids.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 118,269 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $96,257 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 33.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Richardson is 15.9% above Cedar Rapids ($67,859 vs $96,257, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richardson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Richardson average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Richardson compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $440,400 in Richardson vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 115.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Richardson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,257 in Richardson vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 41.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Richardson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 796 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 Richardson compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Richardson MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Richardson, TX from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 796 mi and the route typically takes 14h 56m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Richardson more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richardson is 15.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (103.09 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Richardson, TX.