Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Rockford, IL
The 196 mi from Cedar Rapids to Rockford translate to about 3h 42m behind the wheel through 2 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.
196 mi Β· 3h 42m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 88, IL 110, I 80 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cedar Rapids (88.963) and Rockford (92.154) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Rockford ZHVI at $177,225 is 3.6% below Cedar Rapids at $204,112.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 37.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 37.1 in of snowfall annually at Rockford.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.6% between Cedar Rapids and Rockford (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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: Rockford averages 37.1 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rockford more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 3.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.154 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 Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rockford, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 196 mi and the route typically takes 3h 42m via I 88 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 13.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 196 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Rockford, IL.