Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Atlanta, GA
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Atlanta, GA runs 835 mi β about 15h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
835 mi Β· 15h 52m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, US 61, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.5% pricier overall in Atlanta than Cedar Rapids on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Atlanta typical home at $385,599 is 12.5% above Cedar Rapids at $204,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 48.1" |
Climate warms by 14.0Β°F on the annual average β 48.3Β°F β 62.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.16 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.5% between Cedar Rapids and Atlanta (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 835 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 835 mi and the route typically takes 15h 52m via I 24 and US 61. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 88.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Atlanta more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 12.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (100.058 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 Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 20.7% higher 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 Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Atlanta, GA.