Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Killeen, TX

Relocating 1003 mi from Cedar Rapids to Killeen is a 17h 45m 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.

1003 mi Β· 17h 45m by car Β· TX β†’ OK β†’ KS β†’ MO β†’ IA

COL +2.4% Home values +7.8% Ξ” +18.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1003 mi
Drive time
17h 45m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
40 gal
Route throughTX β†’ OK β†’ KS β†’ MO β†’ IA
Primary highwaysI 35, US 77, MO 110
Major cities en routeWaco, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Irving

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Cedar RapidsKilleenU.S. avg
All items (RPP)88.96391.132100.0
Rents83.98181.242100.0
Goods93.7393.757100.0
Services71.44777.884100.0

No material COL gap at the headline level β€” BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Cedar Rapids β€” typical home
$204,112
Killeen β€” typical home
$219,957
Cedar Rapids β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo
Killeen β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo

Housing comes in 2.4% above Cedar Rapids β€” $204,112 β†’ $219,957 on the latest ZHVI.

YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCedar RapidsKilleen
Annual avg temperature48Β°F67Β°F
January avg low11Β°F36Β°F
July avg high83Β°F96Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation35.9"34.8"

Annual average temperature gap of 18.3Β°F β€” a meaningful climate change across the move.

Effectively snow-free year in Killeen β€” NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, KILLEEN, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Cedar RapidsKilleen
Population136,859156,144
Median household income$67,859$58,339
Median age36.930
Bachelor's degree or higher22.2%16.2%
Avg household size2.322.61

ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.4% lower in Killeen than Cedar Rapids.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Cedar Rapids MSA β€” median wage
$47,670
Killeen MSA β€” median wage
$42,230
Cedar Rapids MSA β€” employment
140,020
Killeen MSA β€” employment
147,020

Top occupations in Killeen MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 16,840 $37,540
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 15,620 $26,660
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 14,700 $81,360
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 13,820 $37,760
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations 12,710 $59,740

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Iowa and Texas

Iowa income tax
3.8% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

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 20–30% 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 Killeen average 96Β°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 (18.3Β°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

When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Killeen?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1003 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 Killeen compare to Cedar Rapids?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Cedar Rapids?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 7.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Killeen more expensive than Cedar Rapids?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 2.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.132 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Killeen, TX from Cedar Rapids, IA?

The driving distance is 1003 mi and the route typically takes 17h 45m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Killeen?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 14.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

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· Killeen, TX.

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