Moving from Allentown, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Allentown, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 950 mi β about 17h 46m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
950 mi Β· 17h 46m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 99.968 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 11.0% below Allentown on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cedar Rapids: 11.0% below Allentown on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.0% between Allentown and Cedar Rapids (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 Pennsylvania 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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Allentown vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 27.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 34.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown 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 950 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 Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 17h 46m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.0% lower than Allentown (88.963 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.