Moving from Fargo, ND to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Fargo, ND to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 511 mi β about 9h 32m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
511 mi Β· 9h 32m by car Β· IA β MN β ND
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN β ND |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IA 27, I 94, US 218 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Fargo are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.871 vs 88.963); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cedar Rapids typical home at $204,112 is 2.1% under Fargo at $314,973 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 35.9" |
Climate warms by 6.9Β°F on the annual average β 41.4Β°F β 48.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $66,029 vs $67,859 on ACS 5-year 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 North Dakota 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 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season runs April through June β 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 much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 35.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 511 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 Cedar Rapids compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 2.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 511 mi and the route typically takes 9h 32m via IA 27 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.1% lower than Fargo (88.963 vs 90.871, 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 Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.