Moving from Kansas City, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA
Moving from Kansas City, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 317 mi and about 6h 4m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
317 mi Β· 6h 4m by car Β· KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Cedar Rapids and Kansas City is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Kansas City and Cedar Rapids are within 5% of each other ($198,195 vs $204,112 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 35.9" |
Cedar Rapids is 8.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 48.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% above Kansas City ($59,183 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 Kansas 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 Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $198,195 in Kansas City β a 3.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City 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.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Kansas City (88.963 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City 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 317 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $59,183 in Kansas City β a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 317 mi and the route typically takes 6h 4m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.