Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to South Fulton, GA
Relocating 846 mi from Cedar Rapids to South Fulton is a 16h 4m 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.
846 mi Β· 16h 4m by car Β· IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, IA 27, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | South Fulton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, South Fulton β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 50.4" |
Expect 15.3Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
South Fulton averages 2.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | South Fulton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 109,157 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $81,798 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.76 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.5% β $67,859 β $81,798 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Fulton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see 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 South Fulton average 90Β°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: South Fulton averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is South Fulton more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Fulton is 12.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (100.058 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in South Fulton compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the South Fulton MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 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 South Fulton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 846 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is South Fulton, GA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 846 mi and the route typically takes 16h 4m via I 24 and IA 27. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs South Fulton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,798 in South Fulton vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 20.5% higher 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· South Fulton, GA.