Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Kansas City, KS
The 317 mi from Cedar Rapids to Kansas City translate to about 6h 4m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
317 mi Β· 6h 4m by car Β· KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cedar Rapids (88.963) and Kansas City (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $204,112 vs $198,195 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Kansas City +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 38.1" |
Climate warms by 8.6Β°F on the annual average β 48.3Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Light snow year: Kansas City gets around 11.0 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 154,776 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $59,183 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.72 |
Income steps down 4.0%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $59,183 in Kansas City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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 Kansas City average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 317 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Kansas City, KS from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 317 mi and the route typically takes 6h 4m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 4.0% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.543 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 Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,183 in Kansas City vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,195 in Kansas City vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 2.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Kansas City, KS.