Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Provo, UT
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Provo, UT runs 1197 mi β about 20h 45m 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.
1197 mi Β· 20h 45m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, West Valley City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 98.232 in Provo, a 10.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Provo: 10.4% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 17.2" |
Climate warms by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 48.3Β°F β 54.6Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.9 in of snowfall annually at Provo.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.35 |
Income steps down 10.4%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $62,800 in Provo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Provo compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 293,170 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 Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1197 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 137.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 7.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Provo more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 10.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (98.232 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Provo, UT from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1197 mi and the route typically takes 20h 45m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Provo, UT.