Moving from Irving, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA

A move from Irving, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 856 mi and around 15h 16m of driving through 5 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.

856 mi Β· 15h 16m by car Β· TX β†’ OK β†’ KS β†’ MO β†’ IA

COL -13.7% Home values -40.2% Ξ” -18.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
856 mi
Drive time
15h 16m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
34 gal
Route throughTX β†’ OK β†’ KS β†’ MO β†’ IA
Primary highwaysI 35, US 77, MO 110
Major cities en routeDallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Fort Worth, Arlington

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

IrvingCedar RapidsU.S. avg
All items (RPP)103.0988.963100.0
Rents90.71183.981100.0
Goods102.83893.73100.0
Services117.87471.447100.0

Cedar Rapids is 13.7% cheaper than Irving overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Irving β€” typical home
$341,503
Cedar Rapids β€” typical home
$204,112
Irving β€” typical rent
$1,586/mo
Cedar Rapids β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo

Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% below Irving β€” $341,503 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Irving -2.6%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsIrvingCedar Rapids
Annual avg temperature67Β°F48Β°F
January avg low36Β°F11Β°F
July avg high96Β°F83Β°F
Annual snowfall1.6"β€”
Annual precipitation37.0"35.9"

Cedar Rapids runs 18.3Β°F colder on the annual average (66.6Β°F vs 48.3Β°F) β€” expect a noticeably different year.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DALLAS FT WORTH AP, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023IrvingCedar Rapids
Population255,036136,859
Median household income$79,641$67,859
Median age32.836.9
Bachelor's degree or higher24.8%22.2%
Avg household size2.712.32

Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% below Irving ($79,641 β†’ $67,859, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Irving MSA β€” median wage
$48,440
Cedar Rapids MSA β€” median wage
$47,670
Irving MSA β€” employment
3,966,500
Cedar Rapids MSA β€” employment
140,020

Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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

Texas income tax
no state income tax
Iowa income tax
3.8% top marginal

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 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

  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.3Β°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

How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Irving, TX?

The driving distance is 856 mi and the route typically takes 15h 16m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Irving vs Cedar Rapids?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $79,641 in Irving β€” a 14.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Irving 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 856 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 Irving?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $341,503 in Irving β€” a 40.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Irving?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,440 in the Irving 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.

Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Irving?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% lower than Irving (88.963 vs 103.09, 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 Irving.

City profiles: Irving, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.

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