Moving from Cleveland, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Cleveland, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 573 mi and around 10h 41m of driving through 4 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.
573 mi Β· 10h 41m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cedar Rapids are 5.3% below Cleveland β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cedar Rapids typical home at $204,112 is 5.3% above Cleveland at $115,537 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 5.3% above Cleveland ($39,187 vs $67,859, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Ohio 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 76.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland 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 573 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 Cleveland vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 73.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 5.3% lower than Cleveland (88.963 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 573 mi and the route typically takes 10h 41m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.