Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Chattanooga, TN
A move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Chattanooga, TN covers 727 mi and around 13h 50m of driving through 6 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.
727 mi Β· 13h 50m by car Β· TN β GA β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, US 61, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Chattanooga | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 91.464 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 74.209 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.994 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 76.55 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Chattanooga and Cedar Rapids is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Chattanooga is 2.8% above Cedar Rapids β $204,112 vs $319,579 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Chattanooga -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 55.0" |
Chattanooga runs 13.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.3Β°F vs 61.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Chattanooga averages 3.6 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 182,832 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $61,028 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.35 |
Median household income in Chattanooga is 2.8% below Cedar Rapids ($67,859 β $61,028, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chattanooga MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 34,970 | $39,520 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,430 | $36,320 |
| Production Occupations | 26,510 | $43,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,780 | $27,910 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,460 | $31,750 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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 Chattanooga average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Chattanooga averages 55.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Chattanooga?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 727 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Chattanooga compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 261,750 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Chattanooga?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,028 in Chattanooga vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chattanooga compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $319,579 in Chattanooga vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 56.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chattanooga, TN from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 727 mi and the route typically takes 13h 50m via I 24 and US 61. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chattanooga more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chattanooga is 2.8% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.464 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· Chattanooga, TN.