Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Pittsburgh, PA
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Pittsburgh, PA runs 692 mi β about 12h 51m 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.
692 mi Β· 12h 51m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pittsburgh is 6.4% 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 Pittsburgh is 6.4% above Cedar Rapids ($237,533 vs $204,112 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 41.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Pittsburgh (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.21 |
Income steps down 6.4%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 6.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (94.671 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 692 mi and the route typically takes 12h 51m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 16.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 692 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 5.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Pittsburgh, PA.