Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Pittsburgh, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 692 mi β about 12h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
692 mi Β· 12h 51m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cedar Rapids are 6.0% below Pittsburgh β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 6.0% lower in Cedar Rapids than Pittsburgh as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.4Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 6.0%: $64,137 in Pittsburgh 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 Pennsylvania 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 6.0% lower than Pittsburgh (88.963 vs 94.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 692 mi and the route typically takes 12h 51m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,071,900 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 14.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh 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 692 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 Pittsburgh vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 5.8% 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 Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.