Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cambridge, MA
Relocating 1220 mi from Cedar Rapids to Cambridge 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
| Cedar Rapids | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Cambridge is 21.7% more expensive than Cedar Rapids on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $204,112 in Cedar Rapids to $1,041,569 in Cambridge, a 21.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 49.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 51.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to rise 21.7% β $67,859 β $126,469 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
How far is Cambridge, MA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
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 Cedar Rapids to Cambridge?
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 much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 410.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 86.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cambridge more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 21.7% higher than Cedar Rapids (108.266 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Cambridge, MA.