Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Syracuse, NY
It is 908 mi between Cedar Rapids and Syracuse β roughly 17h 12m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
908 mi Β· 17h 12m by car Β· NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.6% 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $204,112 vs $210,251.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) and Syracuse (48.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Syracuse averages 127.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
Syracuse households earn about 7.6% less than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $45,845 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Syracuse averages 127.8 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Syracuse more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 7.6% higher than Cedar Rapids (95.742 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 Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 32.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 908 mi and the route typically takes 17h 12m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 908 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 Syracuse compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 3.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Syracuse compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 294,490 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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· Syracuse, NY.