Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Round Rock, TX
It is 1027 mi between Cedar Rapids and Round Rock — roughly 18h 14m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1027 mi · 18h 14m by car · IA → MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 10.2% above Cedar Rapids — 88.963 → 98.066 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.2% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.66 |
Round Rock households earn about 10.2% more than Cedar Rapids at the median — $67,859 → $97,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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
Is Round Rock more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 10.2% higher than Cedar Rapids (98.066 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 Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1027 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1027 mi and the route typically takes 18h 14m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids — a 99.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids — a 43.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 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 · Round Rock, TX.