Moving from Spokane, WA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Cross-country relocations like Spokane, WA β Cedar Rapids, IA cover 1547 mi and about 27h 2m of driving through 5 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1547 mi Β· 27h 2m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β SD β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β SD β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Billings, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 11.3% cheaper than Spokane 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 11.3% below Spokane β $395,325 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.32 |
Median household incomes in Spokane ($65,745) and Cedar Rapids ($67,859) are within a few percent (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 Washington 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.3% lower than Spokane (88.963 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 1547 mi and the route typically takes 27h 2m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 3.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Spokane 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 1547 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 Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 48.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.