Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cincinnati, OH
The 499 mi from Cedar Rapids to Cincinnati translate to about 9h 11m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
499 mi Β· 9h 11m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 52, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 95.37 in Cincinnati, a 7.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cincinnati: 7.2% above Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 43.4" |
Climate warms by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 48.3Β°F β 54.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.17 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.2% between Cedar Rapids and Cincinnati (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 23.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 22.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 7.2% higher than Cedar Rapids (95.37 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 499 mi and the route typically takes 9h 11m via I 74 and US 52. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 499 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· Cincinnati, OH.