Moving from Omaha, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA
Moving from Omaha, NE to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 258 mi and about 4h 58m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
258 mi Β· 4h 58m by car Β· NE β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 30, US 65 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Omaha (91.911) and Cedar Rapids (88.963) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cedar Rapids: 3.2% below Omaha on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 3.2% below Omaha ($72,708 β $67,859, 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 Nebraska 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
When is the best time to move from Omaha 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 258 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 Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.2% lower than Omaha (88.963 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 6.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 258 mi and the route typically takes 4h 58m via I 80 and US 30. The trip crosses 2 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.