Moving from Cambridge, MA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1220 mi from Cambridge to Cedar Rapids is a 22h 58m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1220 mi Β· 22h 58m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Expect about 17.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cedar Rapids at 88.963 vs Cambridge at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 17.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,041,569 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 17.8% β $126,469 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 80.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 17.8% lower than Cambridge (88.963 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1220 mi and the route typically takes 22h 58m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge 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 1220 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 Cambridge vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 46.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.