Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Rio Rancho, NM to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 1112 mi and around 20h 42m of driving through 6 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.
1112 mi Β· 20h 42m by car Β· IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, I 35, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 6.9% cheaper than Rio Rancho overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 6.9% below Rio Rancho β $361,856 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 35.9" |
Cedar Rapids is 9.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (58.0Β°F vs 48.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 39 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 6.9% below Rio Rancho ($85,755 vs $67,859, ACS 5-year 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 New Mexico 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho 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 1112 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 Rio Rancho vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 20.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 43.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1112 mi and the route typically takes 20h 42m via US 54 and I 35. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 6.9% lower than Rio Rancho (88.963 vs 95.546, 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 Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.