Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Fort Wayne, IN
The 390 mi from Cedar Rapids to Fort Wayne translate to about 7h 47m behind the wheel through 3 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.
390 mi Β· 7h 47m by car Β· IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 30, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Fort Wayne | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 86.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 72.277 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cedar Rapids (88.963) and Fort Wayne (92.572) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Fort Wayne at $242,385 is 4.1% above Cedar Rapids at $204,112.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Fort Wayne +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 39.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.6 in of snowfall annually at Fort Wayne.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 266,235 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $60,293 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.43 |
Income steps down 4.1%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $60,293 in Fort Wayne.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Wayne MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 26,110 | $44,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 25,400 | $40,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,710 | $37,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,890 | $35,030 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,190 | $28,570 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Fort Wayne averages 33.6 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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fort Wayne, IN from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 47m via I 80 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Fort Wayne more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Wayne is 4.1% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.572 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 Fort Wayne?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Wayne?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,293 in Fort Wayne vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 11.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fort Wayne compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,385 in Fort Wayne vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 18.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fort Wayne compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 221,290 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Fort Wayne, IN.