Moving from Concord, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Concord, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 957 mi β about 18h 13m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
957 mi Β· 18h 13m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH β WV β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH β WV β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 51, US 35 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Dayton, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids is 8.6% cheaper than Concord 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 8.6% below Concord β $382,592 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -1.9%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 35.9" |
Climate cools by 12.4Β°F on the annual average β 60.7Β°F β 48.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD, NC US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,518 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $84,752 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.3% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 8.6%: $84,752 in Concord vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids.
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 North Carolina 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see 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 (12.4Β°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
When is the best time to move from Concord 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 957 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $84,752 in Concord β a 19.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $47,830 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 8.6% lower than Concord (88.963 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $382,592 in Concord β a 46.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Concord, NC?
The driving distance is 957 mi and the route typically takes 18h 13m via I 74 and US 51. The trip crosses 7 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 Concord.
City profiles: Concord, NC Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.