Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 1485 mi between Miami Gardens and Cedar Rapids β roughly 27h 32m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1485 mi Β· 27h 32m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami Gardens | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 22.1% cheaper overall price level β 114.155 β 88.963 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
22.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Miami Gardens -2.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami Gardens | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 68.3" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 27.7Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami Gardens | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,264 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $60,979 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.32 |
Households in Cedar Rapids earn about 22.1% more at the median β 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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (27.7Β°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
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Miami Gardens?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $469,434 in Miami Gardens β a 56.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Miami Gardens?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 22.1% lower than Miami Gardens (88.963 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Miami Gardens vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens β a 11.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Miami Gardens 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 1485 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Miami Gardens, FL?
The driving distance is 1485 mi and the route typically takes 27h 32m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Miami Gardens?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Miami Gardens.
City profiles: Miami Gardens, FL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.