Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Murfreesboro, TN
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Murfreesboro, TN covers 619 mi and around 11h 49m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
619 mi Β· 11h 49m by car Β· TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, US 61, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Murfreesboro is 8.3% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Murfreesboro is 8.3% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $426,292 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 55.9" |
Murfreesboro runs 10.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.3Β°F vs 58.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Murfreesboro averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.69 |
Median household income in Murfreesboro is 8.3% above Cedar Rapids ($67,859 β $76,241, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.6Β°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
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 8.3% higher than Cedar Rapids (96.338 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 Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 619 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 Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 12.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 108.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 619 mi and the route typically takes 11h 49m via I 24 and US 61. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 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· Murfreesboro, TN.