Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Westminster, CO
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Westminster, CO runs 786 mi β about 13h 53m 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.
786 mi Β· 13h 53m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Westminster | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Westminster is 18.9% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Westminster is 18.9% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $527,654 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Westminster (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Westminster averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.41 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 18.9% between Cedar Rapids and Westminster (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Westminster 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: Westminster 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 Westminster 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: Westminster 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 the job market in Westminster compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster 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.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 41.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Westminster more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster 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 Westminster compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 158.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Westminster, CO from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 786 mi and the route typically takes 13h 53m via I 80 EXPRESS 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 Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 786 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Westminster, CO.