Moving from Cary, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is 993 mi between Cary and Cedar Rapids β roughly 19h 1m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
993 mi Β· 19h 1m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 35, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cedar Rapids at 88.963 vs Cary at 98.157.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $626,396 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 35.9" |
Annual temperature drops 11.8Β°F moving to Cedar Rapids per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.32 |
Cedar Rapids households earn about 9.4% less than Cary at the median β $129,399 β $67,859 on 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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see 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 (11.8Β°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 Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 9.4% lower than Cary (88.963 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $626,396 in Cary β a 67.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cary 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 993 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 993 mi and the route typically takes 19h 1m via I 74 and US 35. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $129,399 in Cary β a 47.6% 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 Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.