Moving from Chicago, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA
Moving from Chicago, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 245 mi and about 4h 40m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
245 mi Β· 4h 40m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IL 110, I 88, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 14.1% cheaper than Chicago overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% below Chicago β $317,283 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 35.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Cedar Rapids (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% below Chicago ($75,134 β $67,859, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cedar Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,490 | $43,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,280 | $46,000 |
| Production Occupations | 13,570 | $46,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,520 | $34,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,280 | $29,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 35.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 14.1% lower than Chicago (88.963 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 9.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Cedar Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 245 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 245 mi and the route typically takes 4h 40m via IL 110 and I 88. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.