Moving from Evansville, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between Evansville, IN and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 452 mi drive β 8h 48m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
452 mi Β· 8h 48m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, IA 27, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Evansville | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.528 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.717 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.735 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Evansville to Cedar Rapids β $198,977 vs $204,112 (2026-03).
YoY change: Evansville +3.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Evansville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 35.9" |
Expect 10.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Evansville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,441 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $52,251 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.8% β $52,251 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Indiana 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Evansville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.8% lower than Evansville (88.963 vs 91.528, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Evansville 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 452 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 Cedar Rapids compare to Evansville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $41,930 in the Evansville MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 152,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Evansville, IN?
The driving distance is 452 mi and the route typically takes 8h 48m via I 64 and IA 27. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Evansville vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $52,251 in Evansville β a 29.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Evansville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $198,977 in Evansville β a 2.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Evansville.
City profiles: Evansville, IN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.