Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Montgomery, AL
Relocating 874 mi from Cedar Rapids to Montgomery is a 16h 26m 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.
874 mi Β· 16h 26m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 82, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Montgomery | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 89.682 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 84.907 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 64.347 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.963 vs 89.682 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $204,112 to $151,228 moving to Montgomery.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Montgomery +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 51.8" |
Expect 19.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 198,440 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $55,687 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.46 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.8% lower in Montgomery than Cedar Rapids.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Montgomery MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,200 | $37,110 |
| Production Occupations | 16,130 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,580 | $35,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,470 | $30,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,170 | $24,070 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Montgomery average 94Β°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: Montgomery averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Montgomery, AL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 874 mi and the route typically takes 16h 26m via I 65 and US 82. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Montgomery compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 160,840 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Montgomery more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Montgomery is 0.8% higher than Cedar Rapids (89.682 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 Montgomery?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 874 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Montgomery compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $151,228 in Montgomery vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 25.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Montgomery?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,687 in Montgomery vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 17.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Montgomery, AL.