Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is a 471 mi drive, roughly 8h 48m, between Ann Arbor, MI and Cedar Rapids, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
471 mi Β· 8h 48m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, I 380 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.8% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Ann Arbor on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.32 |
Households in Cedar Rapids earn about 11.8% less at the median β 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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 far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 471 mi and the route typically takes 8h 48m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.8% lower than Ann Arbor (88.963 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 61.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor 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 471 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.