Moving from Rockford, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 196 mi from Rockford to Cedar Rapids translate to about 3h 42m 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.
196 mi · 3h 42m by car · IL → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 80 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rockford | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Rockford are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.154 vs 88.963); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 3.5% higher in Cedar Rapids than Rockford as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rockford | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 15°F | 11°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 35.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.4°F vs 48.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 3.5% between Rockford and Cedar Rapids (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 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
When is the best time to move from Rockford 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 196 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.5% lower than Rockford (88.963 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rockford vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $53,328 in Rockford — a 27.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Rockford, IL?
The driving distance is 196 mi and the route typically takes 3h 42m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $177,225 in Rockford — a 15.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL · Cedar Rapids, IA.