Moving from Chandler, AZ to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 1515 mi and 28h 3m from Chandler to Cedar Rapids — a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1515 mi · 28h 3m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe, Goodyear, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.9% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Chandler on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.9% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. 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 | Chandler | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.9% — $103,691 → $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,490 | $43,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,280 | $46,000 |
| Production Occupations | 13,570 | $46,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,520 | $34,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,280 | $29,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season runs April through June — identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 34.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chandler to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1515 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 61.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 1515 mi and the route typically takes 28h 3m via US 54 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 13.9% lower than Chandler (88.963 vs 103.316, 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 Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Cedar Rapids, IA.