Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Cedar Rapids, IA and Springfield, IL is a 251 mi drive β 4h 40m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
251 mi Β· 4h 40m by car Β· IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 155 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 71.616 | 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
4.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.24 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 251 mi and the route typically takes 4h 40m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 3.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 20.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 103,670 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 Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 251 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% higher than Cedar Rapids (92.745 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Springfield, IL.