Moving from St. Louis, MO to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between St. Louis, MO and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 280 mi drive β 5h 35m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
280 mi Β· 5h 35m by car Β· MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 61, I 64, US 40 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.4% moving from St. Louis 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
YoY change: St. Louis β, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 35.9" |
Expect 9.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.4% β $55,279 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 Missouri 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 does household income compare in St. Louis vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 22.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 6.4% lower than St. Louis (88.963 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 280 mi and the route typically takes 5h 35m via US 61 and I 64. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis 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 280 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.