Moving from Garland, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Garland, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 805 mi and around 15h 6m 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.
805 mi Β· 15h 6m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 35, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Richardson, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cedar Rapids are 13.7% below Garland β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
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 13.7% under Garland at $286,805 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 35.9" |
NOAA normals show Cedar Rapids running 17.5Β°F below Garland on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% below Garland ($74,717 β $67,859, ACS 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% lower than Garland (88.963 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 805 mi and the route typically takes 15h 6m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Garland vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $74,717 in Garland β a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Garland 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 805 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $286,805 in Garland β a 28.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.