Moving from Birmingham, AL to Cedar Rapids, IA
A move from Birmingham, AL to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 781 mi and around 14h 43m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
781 mi Β· 14h 43m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 61, I 65, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Birmingham (91.644) and Cedar Rapids (88.963) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cedar Rapids: 2.9% above Birmingham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 35.9" |
Major climate step-down: 15.6Β°F cooler annual average in Cedar Rapids vs Birmingham.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 2.9% above Birmingham ($44,376 vs $67,859, 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.9% lower than Birmingham (88.963 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 50.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham 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 781 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 Birmingham vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 52.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 781 mi and the route typically takes 14h 43m via US 61 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 509,200 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 Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.