Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1016 mi from Jersey City to Cedar Rapids is a 18h 55m drive through 6 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.
1016 mi Β· 18h 55m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids sits 21.0% cheaper than Jersey City on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $658,269 in Jersey City to $204,112 in Cedar Rapids, a 21.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jersey City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 35.9" |
Expect 6.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 21.0% β $94,813 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 New Jersey 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
- 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
- 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 Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 21.0% lower than Jersey City (88.963 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City 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 1016 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 Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $658,269 in Jersey City β a 69.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $94,813 in Jersey City β a 28.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 1016 mi and the route typically takes 18h 55m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 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 Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.