Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Renton, WA
A 1829 mi cross-country move between Cedar Rapids and Renton is 32h 3m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1829 mi Β· 32h 3m by car Β· IA β MN β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, IA 27 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane Valley, Spokane, Bellevue |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Renton is 24.9% more expensive than Cedar Rapids on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $204,112 in Cedar Rapids to $764,375 in Renton, a 24.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 34.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.3Β°F moving to Renton per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 24.9% more than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $96,626 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Renton compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 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 Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 42.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Renton, WA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1829 mi and the route typically takes 32h 3m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Renton more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 24.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (111.133 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1829 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 Renton compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 274.5% higher 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· Renton, WA.