Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Manchester, NH
Relocating 1254 mi from Cedar Rapids to Manchester is a 23h 45m drive through 9 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.
1254 mi Β· 23h 45m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| 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 | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 18.8% above Cedar Rapids β 88.963 β 105.657 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
18.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 13Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 42.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 52.8 in of snowfall annually at Manchester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.33 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 18.8% higher in Manchester than Cedar Rapids.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Manchester more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 18.8% higher than Cedar Rapids (105.657 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 Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1254 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 Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 113.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Manchester, NH from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1254 mi and the route typically takes 23h 45m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 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· Manchester, NH.