Moving from Akron, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 592 mi between Akron and Cedar Rapids β roughly 11h 5m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
592 mi Β· 11h 5m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 88.963 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $137,894 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.32 |
Cedar Rapids households earn about 4.7% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $67,859 on 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 Ohio 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 Akron vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $48,544 in Akron β a 39.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $137,894 in Akron β a 48.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 4.7% lower than Akron (88.963 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Akron 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 592 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 592 mi and the route typically takes 11h 5m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.