Moving from South Bend, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between South Bend, IN and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 319 mi drive β 6h 12m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
319 mi Β· 6h 12m by car Β· IA β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 380, IA 27 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Bend | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.858 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.733 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.221 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.586 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.858 vs 88.963 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.2% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: South Bend +4.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | South Bend | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in South Bend (49.8Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: S BEND, IN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Bend | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,866 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $52,512 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 33.9 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.2% β $52,512 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Indiana 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.
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 South Bend?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,420 in the South Bend MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 129,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to South Bend?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $192,340 in South Bend β a 6.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from South Bend, IN?
The driving distance is 319 mi and the route typically takes 6h 12m via I 80 and I 380. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in South Bend vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $52,512 in South Bend β a 29.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from South Bend 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 319 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than South Bend?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 4.2% lower than South Bend (88.963 vs 92.858, 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 South Bend.
City profiles: South Bend, IN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.