Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating 1016 mi from Cedar Rapids to Jersey City is a 18h 55m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1016 mi Β· 18h 55m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Jersey City is 26.5% more expensive than Cedar Rapids on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $204,112 in Cedar Rapids to $658,269 in Jersey City, a 26.5% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 50.4" |
Expect 6.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Jersey City sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 26.5% β $67,859 β $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 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: Jersey City averages 50.4 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Jersey City more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 26.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (112.563 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 222.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1016 mi and the route typically takes 18h 55m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 39.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1016 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Jersey City, NJ.