Moving from Tyler, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 841 mi between Tyler and Cedar Rapids β roughly 15h 53m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
841 mi Β· 15h 53m by car Β· IA β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 69, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Tyler and Cedar Rapids sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Cedar Rapids run about 3.5% cheaper β ZHVI $251,563 β $204,112 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 18.2Β°F β 66.5Β°F in Tyler vs 48.3Β°F in Cedar Rapids, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $65,527 vs $67,859 on 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 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 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Tyler 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 841 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.5% lower than Tyler (88.963 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 3.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 18.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 841 mi and the route typically takes 15h 53m via I 35 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 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 Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.