Moving from Boise City, ID to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Boise City, ID to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 1478 mi and around 25h 1m 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.
1478 mi Β· 25h 1m by car Β· ID β UT β WY β NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β UT β WY β NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.391 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 9.6% below Boise City on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City β, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boise City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 9.6% below Boise City ($81,308 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 Idaho 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $81,308 in Boise City β a 16.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 9.6% lower than Boise City (88.963 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 1478 mi and the route typically takes 25h 1m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 1478 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 372,470 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 Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.