Moving from Kansas City, MO to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 308 mi from Kansas City to Cedar Rapids translate to about 5h 49m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
308 mi Β· 5h 49m by car Β· MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Kansas City are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 88.963); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 3.9% lower in Cedar Rapids than Kansas City as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 35.9" |
Climate cools by 8.6Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 48.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $67,449 vs $67,859 on ACS 5-year 2023.
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 Missouri 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.
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 much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 18.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City 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 308 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 5h 49m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Kansas City (88.963 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.