Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH runs 573 mi β about 10h 41m 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.
573 mi Β· 10h 41m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.963 in Cedar Rapids to 93.923 in Cleveland, a 5.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 5.6% below Cedar Rapids on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 33.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.6% between Cedar Rapids and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
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
Is Cleveland more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 5.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (93.923 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 573 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 573 mi and the route typically takes 10h 41m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 42.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 43.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Cleveland, OH.