Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Rochester, NY
Relocating 832 mi from Cedar Rapids to Rochester is a 15h 45m drive through 6 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.
832 mi Β· 15h 45m by car Β· NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 97.035 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 133.213 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 87.481 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.1% above Cedar Rapids β 88.963 β 97.035 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 9.1% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 β $235,784 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Rochester +3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 102.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 35.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 102.0 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 209,720 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $46,628 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 17.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.27 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.1% β $67,859 β $46,628 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 61,270 | $44,600 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 45,540 | $60,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 41,530 | $35,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 39,820 | $34,320 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,560 | $39,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 102.0 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 York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rochester more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 9.1% higher than Cedar Rapids (97.035 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Rochester, NY from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 832 mi and the route typically takes 15h 45m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,500 in the Rochester MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 493,220 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $235,784 in Rochester vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 15.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $46,628 in Rochester vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 31.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 832 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Rochester, NY.