Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Omaha, NE
The 258 mi from Cedar Rapids to Omaha translate to about 4h 58m behind the wheel through 2 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.
258 mi Β· 4h 58m by car Β· NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 30, US 65 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Omaha and Cedar Rapids are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.963 vs 91.911); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Omaha typical home at $294,189 is 3.3% above Cedar Rapids at $204,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 51.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.44 |
Income steps up 3.3%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $72,708 in Omaha.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 483,970 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 Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 258 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Omaha, NE from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 258 mi and the route typically takes 4h 58m via I 80 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 7.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 44.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Omaha more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 3.3% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.911 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Omaha, NE.