Moving from New Orleans, LA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 946 mi from New Orleans to Cedar Rapids is a 17h 48m 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.
946 mi Β· 17h 48m by car Β· LA β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β TN β AR β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 61, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Memphis, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.9% under New Orleans β $242,493 β $204,112 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 22.6Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $55,339 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 Louisiana 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-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 (22.6Β°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
When is the best time to move from New Orleans 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 946 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 New Orleans vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 22.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 15.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than New Orleans (88.963 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 946 mi and the route typically takes 17h 48m via I 55 and US 61. 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 New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.