Moving from Clearwater, FL to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1310 mi from Clearwater to Cedar Rapids is a 24h 34m drive through 7 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.
1310 mi Β· 24h 34m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cedar Rapids at 88.963 vs Clearwater at 100.89.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $339,488 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 35.9" |
Expect 25.6Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.8% higher in Cedar Rapids than Clearwater.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,490 | $43,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,280 | $46,000 |
| Production Occupations | 13,570 | $46,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,520 | $34,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,280 | $29,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (25.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1310 mi and the route typically takes 24h 34m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1310 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 Cedar Rapids compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 39.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 5.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.8% lower than Clearwater (88.963 vs 100.89, 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 Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.