Moving from Clarksville, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 549 mi from Clarksville to Cedar Rapids is a 10h 35m drive through 5 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.
549 mi Β· 10h 35m by car Β· TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 61, I 64, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clarksville | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.947 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.546 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.801 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.947 vs 88.963 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $318,206 to $204,112 moving to Cedar Rapids.
YoY change: Clarksville -0.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clarksville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.5" | 35.9" |
Expect 10.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clarksville | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 171,897 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $66,786 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.32 |
Median household incomes in Clarksville ($66,786) and Cedar Rapids ($67,859) are within a few percent (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 Tennessee 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Clarksville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $318,206 in Clarksville β a 35.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Clarksville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 96,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Clarksville vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $66,786 in Clarksville β a 1.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Clarksville 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 549 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Clarksville, TN?
The driving distance is 549 mi and the route typically takes 10h 35m via US 61 and I 64. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Clarksville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 2.2% lower than Clarksville (88.963 vs 90.947, 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 Clarksville.
City profiles: Clarksville, TN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.