Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Thornton, CO
Relocating 777 mi from Cedar Rapids to Thornton is a 13h 46m drive through 3 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.
777 mi Β· 13h 46m by car Β· CO β NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Thornton runs about 18.9% more expensive overall than Cedar Rapids β RPP 88.963 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $204,112 in Cedar Rapids to $502,945 in Thornton, a 18.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 14.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Thornton sees 44.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 18.9% β $67,859 β $100,985 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 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 Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 48.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Thornton more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 18.9% higher than Cedar Rapids (105.782 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 146.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Thornton, CO from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 777 mi and the route typically takes 13h 46m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 777 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 Thornton compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Thornton, CO.