Moving from Rochester, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is a 169 mi drive, roughly 3h 37m, between Rochester, MN and Cedar Rapids, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
169 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, I 380, IA 27 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Rochester and Cedar Rapids sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $339,455 in Rochester to $204,112 in Cedar Rapids, a 2.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 44.8Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.32 |
Cedar Rapids households earn about 2.0% less than Rochester at the median β $87,767 β $67,859 on 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 169 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via US 63 and I 380. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 169 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 Rochester vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 22.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 39.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.0% lower than Rochester (88.963 vs 90.821, 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.