Moving from Modesto, CA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Cross-country relocations like Modesto, CA β Cedar Rapids, IA cover 1901 mi and about 32h 35m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1901 mi Β· 32h 35m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, CA 99, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Antioch, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 14.5% cheaper than Modesto overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 14.5% below Modesto β $446,494 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 35.9" |
Climate cools by 14.8Β°F on the annual average β 63.1Β°F β 48.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 14.5%: $77,899 in Modesto 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.8Β°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
When is the best time to move from Modesto 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 1901 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 Cedar Rapids compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 12.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 14.5% lower than Modesto (88.963 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 1901 mi and the route typically takes 32h 35m via I 80 and CA 99. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 54.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.