Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Hialeah, FL
It is 1496 mi between Cedar Rapids and Hialeah β roughly 27h 51m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1496 mi Β· 27h 51m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Hialeah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hialeah is 28.3% 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
28.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Hialeah -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 62.7" |
Annual average temperature gap of 28.6Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 221,901 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $53,079 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 45.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 14.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.87 |
Hialeah households earn about 28.3% less than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $53,079 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hialeah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Hialeah 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: Hialeah averages 62.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (28.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Hialeah, FL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 1496 mi and the route typically takes 27h 51m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Hialeah more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hialeah is 28.3% higher than Cedar Rapids (114.155 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 Hialeah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1496 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 Hialeah compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hialeah MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 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 Hialeah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,079 in Hialeah vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 21.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Hialeah compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $443,804 in Hialeah vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 117.4% higher 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· Hialeah, FL.