Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Memphis, TN
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Memphis, TN runs 558 mi β about 10h 34m 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.
558 mi Β· 10h 34m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 61, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Cedar Rapids are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.963 vs 92.179); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Memphis typical home at $144,710 is 3.6% under Cedar Rapids at $204,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 54.9" |
NOAA normals show Memphis running 15.1Β°F above Cedar Rapids on the annual mean.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.6% between Cedar Rapids and Memphis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 29.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Memphis, TN from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 558 mi and the route typically takes 10h 34m via I 55 and US 61. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 558 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 Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 24.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.179 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· Memphis, TN.