Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Rochester, MN
It is a 169 mi drive, roughly 3h 37m, between Cedar Rapids, IA and Rochester, MN. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
169 mi Β· 3h 37m by car Β· IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, I 380, IA 27 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.4 |
Rochester households earn about 2.1% more than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $87,767 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rochester more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 2.1% higher than Cedar Rapids (90.821 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 29.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 169 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Rochester, MN from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 169 mi and the route typically takes 3h 37m via US 63 and I 380. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 66.3% 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· Rochester, MN.