Moving from St. Paul, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 250 mi from St. Paul to Cedar Rapids translate to about 5h 16m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
250 mi Β· 5h 16m by car Β· MN β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, US 52, I 380 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Rochester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.822 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 15.1% below St. Paul on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 15.1%: $73,055 in St. Paul 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 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 far is Cedar Rapids, IA from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 250 mi and the route typically takes 5h 16m via US 63 and US 52. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul 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 250 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 St. Paul vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 7.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 15.1% lower than St. Paul (88.963 vs 104.822, 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.