Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Cedar Rapids, IA
Moving from Hillsboro, OR to Cedar Rapids, IA is a 1918 mi cross-country relocation β about 33h 10m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1918 mi Β· 33h 10m by car Β· IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Salt Lake City, Boise City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hillsboro | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.421 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 15.6% below Hillsboro on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cedar Rapids: 15.6% below Hillsboro on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hillsboro -3.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hillsboro | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND-HILLSBORO AP, OR US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hillsboro | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,050 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $103,207 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 15.6% below Hillsboro ($103,207 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 Oregon 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 does household income compare in Hillsboro vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $103,207 in Hillsboro β a 34.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Hillsboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 15.6% lower than Hillsboro (88.963 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Hillsboro, OR?
The driving distance is 1918 mi and the route typically takes 33h 10m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Hillsboro 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 1918 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 Hillsboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $55,940 in the Hillsboro MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Hillsboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $522,557 in Hillsboro β a 60.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hillsboro.
City profiles: Hillsboro, OR Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.