Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Worcester, MA
It is 1185 mi between Cedar Rapids and Worcester β roughly 22h 13m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1185 mi Β· 22h 13m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.2% above Cedar Rapids β 88.963 β 102.523 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 72.9 in of snowfall annually at Worcester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.6 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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: Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Worcester more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 15.2% higher than Cedar Rapids (102.523 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1185 mi and the route typically takes 22h 13m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1185 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 Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 0.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 110.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Worcester, MA.