Moving from Aurora, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 210 mi from Aurora to Cedar Rapids translate to about 3h 58m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
210 mi Β· 3h 58m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 14.1% cheaper than Aurora overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% below Aurora β $316,958 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Aurora (50.2Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.1% between Aurora 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 Illinois 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 Aurora vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $90,109 in Aurora β a 24.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $316,958 in Aurora β a 35.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora 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 210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% lower than Aurora (88.963 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 3h 58m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.