Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Hollywood, FL

The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Hollywood, FL runs 1480 mi β€” about 27h 31m 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.

1480 mi Β· 27h 31m by car Β· FL β†’ GA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO β†’ IA

COL +28.3% Home values +115.3% Ξ” +27.8Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1480 mi
Drive time
27h 31m
States
7
Fuel (25 mpg)
59 gal
Route throughFL β†’ GA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO β†’ IA
Primary highwaysI 75, I 24, US 61
Major cities en routeMiami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Cedar RapidsHollywoodU.S. avg
All items (RPP)88.963114.155100.0
Rents83.98197.235100.0
Goods93.73103.556100.0
Services71.447155.551100.0

Overall price level in Hollywood runs 28.3% higher than Cedar Rapids β€” a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (88.963 β†’ 114.155, 2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Cedar Rapids β€” typical home
$204,112
Hollywood β€” typical home
$439,400
Cedar Rapids β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo
Hollywood β€” typical rent
$2,277/mo

Typical home value in Hollywood is 28.3% above Cedar Rapids β€” $204,112 vs $439,400 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.

YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCedar RapidsHollywood
Annual avg temperature48Β°F76Β°F
January avg low11Β°F59Β°F
July avg high83Β°F90Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation35.9"65.0"

Hollywood runs 27.8Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.3Β°F vs 76.1Β°F) β€” a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Cedar RapidsHollywood
Population136,859152,935
Median household income$67,859$65,359
Median age36.941
Bachelor's degree or higher22.2%19.8%
Avg household size2.322.53

Median household incomes in Cedar Rapids ($67,859) and Hollywood ($65,359) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Cedar Rapids MSA β€” median wage
$47,670
Hollywood MSA β€” median wage
$46,510
Cedar Rapids MSA β€” employment
140,020
Hollywood MSA β€” employment
2,721,490

Top occupations in Hollywood MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 393,730 $41,640
Sales and Related Occupations 306,440 $37,640
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 261,940 $30,720
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 239,610 $37,610
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 194,910 $77,760

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Iowa and Florida

Iowa income tax
3.8% top marginal
Florida income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 20–30% 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

  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (27.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Hurricane season runs June through November β€” stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
  • 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 Florida after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Hollywood, FL from Cedar Rapids, IA?

The driving distance is 1480 mi and the route typically takes 27h 31m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Cedar Rapids?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 115.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Hollywood?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β€” a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Hollywood compare to Cedar Rapids?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Hollywood?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1480 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Hollywood more expensive than Cedar Rapids?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 28.3% higher than Cedar Rapids (114.155 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· Hollywood, FL.

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