Moving from Billings, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Billings, MT to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 1015 mi β about 18h on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1015 mi Β· 18h by car Β· IA β MN β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, IA 27 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cedar Rapids and Billings is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 4.9% below Billings β $392,209 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Billings (48.2Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 4.9%: $71,855 in Billings vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids.
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 Montana 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 4.9% lower than Billings (88.963 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $392,209 in Billings β a 48.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Billings 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 1015 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $71,855 in Billings β a 5.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1015 mi and the route typically takes 18h via I 90 and US 212. 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.