Moving from San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from San Antonio, TX to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 1124 mi and around 19h 60m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1124 mi Β· 19h 60m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 94.716 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 6.1% below San Antonio on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Cedar Rapids ZHVI at $204,112 is 6.1% below San Antonio at $249,810.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | San Antonio | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 35.9" |
Major climate step-down: 20.7Β°F cooler annual average in Cedar Rapids vs San Antonio.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 6.1% above San Antonio ($62,917 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 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 (20.7Β°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 does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 1124 mi and the route typically takes 19h 60m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $62,917 in San Antonio β a 7.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from San Antonio 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 1124 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 6.1% lower than San Antonio (88.963 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $249,810 in San Antonio β a 18.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.