Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 1014 mi from Cedar Rapids to Elizabeth is a 18h 58m drive through 6 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.
1014 mi Β· 18h 58m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 380 |
| 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 | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 26.5% above Cedar Rapids β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
26.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 46.6" |
Expect 7.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 26.5% lower in Elizabeth than Cedar Rapids.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 26.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (112.563 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 161.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1014 mi and the route typically takes 18h 58m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 5.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1014 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· Elizabeth, NJ.