Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Arvada, CO
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Arvada, CO runs 791 mi β about 14h 1m 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.
791 mi Β· 14h 1m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 105.782 in Arvada, a 18.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Arvada: 18.9% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 17.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 75.5 in of snowfall annually at Arvada.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 18.9% between Cedar Rapids and Arvada (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Arvada averages 75.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Arvada more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 18.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (105.782 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 67.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Arvada compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Arvada compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $616,566 in Arvada vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 202.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Arvada, CO from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 791 mi and the route typically takes 14h 1m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 791 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Arvada, CO.