Moving from Overland Park, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between Overland Park, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 330 mi drive β 6h 18m 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.
330 mi Β· 6h 18m 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 | Olathe, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | 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 price level is comparable β 92.543 vs 88.963 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $482,295 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Overland Park | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 35.9" |
Expect 6.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.9% β $103,838 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Overland Park (88.963 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $103,838 in Overland Park β a 34.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 330 mi and the route typically takes 6h 18m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park 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 330 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 Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park 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 much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $482,295 in Overland Park β a 57.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.