Moving from Amarillo, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Amarillo, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 885 mi and around 16h 11m of driving through 5 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.
885 mi Β· 16h 11m 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, MO 110, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Amarillo are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.82 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: Amarillo +2.6%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 35.9" |
Cedar Rapids is 8.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 48.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 3.1% above Amarillo ($62,469 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 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
- 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 household income compare in Amarillo vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 8.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.1% lower than Amarillo (88.963 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo 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 885 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 Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 885 mi and the route typically takes 16h 11m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 5 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.