Moving from Providence, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1197 mi from Providence to Cedar Rapids is a 22h 32m drive through 8 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.
1197 mi Β· 22h 32m by car Β· RI β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Hartford, Springfield, New Haven, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.6% moving from Providence to Cedar Rapids β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $426,007 in Providence to $204,112 in Cedar Rapids, a 12.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Providence | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.1Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $66,772 vs $67,859 on ACS 5-year 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 Rhode Island 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- 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
How does household income compare in Providence vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $66,772 in Providence β a 1.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 1197 mi and the route typically takes 22h 32m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Providence 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 1197 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $426,007 in Providence β a 52.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 12.6% lower than Providence (88.963 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.