Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating between Cedar Rapids, IA and Milwaukee, WI is a 244 mi drive β 4h 52m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
244 mi Β· 4h 52m by car Β· WI β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 18, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.0% above Cedar Rapids β 88.963 β 96.937 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 9.0% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 β $220,137 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 33.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 39.5 in of snowfall annually at Milwaukee.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.0% β $67,859 β $51,888 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Milwaukee averages 39.5 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 Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 23.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 814,950 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 Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 7.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 52m via US 151 and US 18. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 9.0% higher than Cedar Rapids (96.937 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· Milwaukee, WI.