Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Worth, TX
Relocating 856 mi from Cedar Rapids to Fort Worth is a 15h 13m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
856 mi Β· 15h 13m 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, US 77, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Fort Worth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $204,112 to $298,051 moving to Fort Worth.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Fort Worth -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | β |
Expect 19.2Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 941,311 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $76,602 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.82 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.9% higher in Fort Worth than Cedar Rapids.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Worth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fort Worth average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Fort Worth more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Worth is 15.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (103.09 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fort Worth, TX from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 856 mi and the route typically takes 15h 13m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Fort Worth compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $298,051 in Fort Worth vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 46.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fort Worth compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Worth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 12.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Fort Worth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 856 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· Fort Worth, TX.