Moving from Mesquite, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Mesquite, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 818 mi β about 15h 22m 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.
818 mi Β· 15h 22m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 35, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 13.7% below Mesquite on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cedar Rapids: 13.7% below Mesquite on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 35.9" |
Major climate step-down: 17.7Β°F cooler annual average in Cedar Rapids vs Mesquite.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 13.7%: $71,843 in Mesquite vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids.
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 Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 818 mi and the route typically takes 15h 22m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% lower than Mesquite (88.963 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite 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 818 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 Cedar Rapids compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 22.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 5.5% 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.