Moving from Round Rock, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1027 mi from Round Rock to Cedar Rapids is a 18h 14m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1027 mi · 18h 14m by car · IA → MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.3% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Round Rock on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.3% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.3% — $97,187 → $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 Texas 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 — 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
- Tornado season runs April through June — 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 Round Rock 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 1027 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 9.3% lower than Round Rock (88.963 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 49.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 30.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1027 mi and the route typically takes 18h 14m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Cedar Rapids, IA.