Moving from Lowell, MA to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Lowell, MA to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 1228 mi β about 23h 7m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1228 mi Β· 23h 7m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cedar Rapids are 17.8% below Lowell 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 17.8% under Lowell at $480,319 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.0Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 17.8%: $76,205 in Lowell vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids.
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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 17.8% lower than Lowell (88.963 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lowell 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 1228 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 Lowell vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 11.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 57.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1228 mi and the route typically takes 23h 7m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.