Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between Milwaukee, WI and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 244 mi drive β 4h 52m 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.
244 mi Β· 4h 52m by car Β· WI β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 18, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cedar Rapids at 88.963 vs Milwaukee at 96.937.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 8.2% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.2% β $51,888 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 Milwaukee vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 30.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 8.2% lower than Milwaukee (88.963 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 7.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 52m via US 151 and US 18. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.