Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 660 mi from Oklahoma City to Cedar Rapids is a 11h 50m drive through 4 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.
660 mi Β· 11h 50m by car Β· OK β KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Wichita, Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Oklahoma City to Cedar Rapids β $206,713 vs $204,112 (2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 35.9" |
Expect 11.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.32 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Oklahoma 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 (11.8Β°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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 1.6% lower than Oklahoma City (88.963 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 1.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma 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 660 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 Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 660 mi and the route typically takes 11h 50m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.