Moving from Topeka, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is a 371 mi drive, roughly 6h 59m, between Topeka, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
371 mi Β· 6h 59m by car Β· IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 30, US 218 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.82 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 0.2% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 35.9" |
Annual temperature drops 6.6Β°F moving to Cedar Rapids per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.32 |
Cedar Rapids households earn about 0.2% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $67,859 on 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
When is the best time to move from Topeka 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 371 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 Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 7.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 21.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 0.2% higher than Topeka (88.963 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 371 mi and the route typically takes 6h 59m via I 35 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.