Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Allentown, PA
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Allentown, PA covers 950 mi and around 17h 46m of driving through 5 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.
950 mi Β· 17h 46m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| 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
| Cedar Rapids | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Allentown is 12.4% higher than Cedar Rapids, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Allentown is 12.4% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $309,699 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Allentown (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 12.4% below Cedar Rapids ($67,859 vs $53,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 51.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 17h 46m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allentown more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 12.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (99.968 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 21.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Allentown, PA.