Moving from Naperville, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 219 mi from Naperville to Cedar Rapids translate to about 4h 9m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
219 mi Β· 4h 9m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 14.1% below Naperville 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: 14.1% below Naperville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.1% between Naperville and Cedar Rapids (ACS 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 Illinois 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.
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 Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% lower than Naperville (88.963 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 66.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Naperville 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 219 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 Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 4h 9m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 55.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.