Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Chicago, IL
The 245 mi from Cedar Rapids to Chicago translate to about 4h 40m 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.
245 mi Β· 4h 40m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IL 110, I 88, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chicago is 16.4% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chicago is 16.4% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $317,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Chicago (50.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Income steps up 16.4%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $75,134 in Chicago.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 10.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 16.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (103.595 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 55.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 245 mi and the route typically takes 4h 40m via IL 110 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 245 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Chicago, IL.