Moving from Peoria, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 175 mi from Peoria to Cedar Rapids translate to about 3h 18m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
175 mi · 3h 18m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 380 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cedar Rapids and Peoria is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 2.5% above Peoria — $128,838 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 11°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 2.5%: $58,716 in Peoria 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 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 175 mi and the route typically takes 3h 18m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 175 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.5% lower than Peoria (88.963 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 58.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 15.6% higher 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 Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Cedar Rapids, IA.