Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Brockton, MA
It is 1236 mi between Cedar Rapids and Brockton β roughly 23h 20m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 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.
1236 mi Β· 23h 20m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| 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
| Cedar Rapids | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Brockton is 21.7% above Cedar Rapids β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
21.7% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 50.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 34.3 in of snowfall annually at Brockton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.95 |
Households in Brockton earn about 21.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Brockton, MA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1236 mi and the route typically takes 23h 20m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 13.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Brockton compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 146.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Brockton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1236 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Brockton more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brockton is 21.7% higher than Cedar Rapids (108.266 vs 88.963, 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Brockton, MA.