Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 854 mi from Colorado Springs to Cedar Rapids is a 15h 6m 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.
854 mi Β· 15h 6m 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 | Centennial, Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cedar Rapids at 88.963 vs Colorado Springs at 100.707.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $449,452 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Colorado Springs (50.5Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.7% lower in Cedar Rapids than Colorado Springs.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,490 | $43,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,280 | $46,000 |
| Production Occupations | 13,570 | $46,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,520 | $34,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,280 | $29,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 854 mi and the route typically takes 15h 6m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.7% lower than Colorado Springs (88.963 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 54.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 854 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.