Moving from Plano, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 794 mi from Plano to Cedar Rapids is a 14h 57m 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.
794 mi Β· 14h 57m 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, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Plano | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.7% moving from Plano to Cedar Rapids β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $498,989 in Plano to $204,112 in Cedar Rapids, a 13.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Plano -5.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Plano | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 17.5Β°F β 65.8Β°F in Plano vs 48.3Β°F in Cedar Rapids, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Plano | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,339 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $108,649 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 39.3 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.1% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.7% β $108,649 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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 (17.5Β°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 Plano, TX?
The driving distance is 794 mi and the route typically takes 14h 57m via US 69 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Plano?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $498,989 in Plano β a 59.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Plano?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 13.7% lower than Plano (88.963 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Plano?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,440 in the Plano 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 Plano vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $108,649 in Plano β a 37.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Plano 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 794 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Plano.
City profiles: Plano, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.