Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is a 350 mi drive, roughly 6h 39m, between Sioux Falls, SD and Cedar Rapids, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
350 mi · 6h 39m by car · SD → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | SD → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 20, I 29, I 380 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.631 vs 88.963 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.8% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $329,723 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 11°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Sioux Falls (46.6°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.32 |
Households in Cedar Rapids earn about 1.8% less at the median — ACS 5-year 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 South Dakota 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season runs April through June — 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 household income compare in Sioux Falls vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls — a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 350 mi and the route typically takes 6h 39m via US 20 and I 29. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 350 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 1.8% lower than Sioux Falls (88.963 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls — a 38.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD · Cedar Rapids, IA.