Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Madison, WI
The 166 mi from Cedar Rapids to Madison translate to about 3h 27m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
166 mi · 3h 27m by car · WI → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 18, US 61 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.4% pricier overall in Madison than Cedar Rapids on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Madison typical home at $423,767 is 9.4% above Cedar Rapids at $204,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 11°F | 11°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 40.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.3°F vs 47.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.19 |
Income steps up 9.4%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $76,983 in Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids — a 107.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids — a 13.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Madison, WI from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 166 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via US 151 and US 18. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 9.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (97.287 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Madison, WI.