Moving from Olathe, KS to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 331 mi from Olathe to Cedar Rapids translate to about 6h 20m behind the wheel through 3 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.
331 mi Β· 6h 20m by car Β· KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | 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 Olathe 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
Housing gap is large: Cedar Rapids typical home at $204,112 is 3.9% under Olathe at $433,117 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 35.9" |
Climate cools by 6.8Β°F on the annual average β 55.1Β°F β 48.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.9% between Olathe and Cedar Rapids (ACS 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 Kansas 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 Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 52.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Olathe (88.963 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Olathe 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 331 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 Olathe vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 39.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe 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 far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 331 mi and the route typically takes 6h 20m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.