Moving from Wichita, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Wichita, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 507 mi and around 9h 17m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
507 mi Β· 9h 17m by car Β· KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Wichita are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.946 vs 88.963); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 35.9" |
Cedar Rapids is 9.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (57.7Β°F vs 48.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 0.0% above Wichita ($63,072 β $67,859, 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 Wichita 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 507 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 507 mi and the route typically takes 9h 17m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 0.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 7.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 303,910 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.