Moving from Independence, MO to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between Independence, MO and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 308 mi drive β 5h 57m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
308 mi Β· 5h 57m by car Β· IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 30, US 218 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Independence and Cedar Rapids sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Cedar Rapids ($204,112) sits close to Independence ($208,158) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 35.9" |
Expect 5.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.9% higher in Cedar Rapids than Independence.
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 Missouri 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
- 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 Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $208,158 in Independence β a 1.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 308 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Independence (88.963 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $59,480 in Independence β a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 5h 57m via I 35 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.