Moving from Waco, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 948 mi from Waco to Cedar Rapids is a 16h 53m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
948 mi Β· 16h 53m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.55 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 3.9% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 35.9" |
Expect 18.3Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $51,468 β $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 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 (18.3Β°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
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 948 mi and the route typically takes 16h 53m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Waco 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 948 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 Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $194,245 in Waco β a 5.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $51,468 in Waco β a 31.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Waco (88.963 vs 92.55, 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.