Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Lowell, MA
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Lowell, MA runs 1228 mi β about 23h 7m 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.
1228 mi Β· 23h 7m 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 | Lowell | 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 price level in Lowell runs 21.7% higher than Cedar Rapids β a substantial step-up on the BEA Regional Price Parity (88.963 β 108.266, 2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lowell is 21.7% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $480,319 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 48.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Lowell (49.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.71 |
Income steps up 21.7%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $76,205 in Lowell.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Lowell more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell 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.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1228 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 12.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lowell compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 135.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lowell, MA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1228 mi and the route typically takes 23h 7m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Lowell, MA.