Moving from Dayton, OH to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating between Dayton, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA is a 495 mi drive β 9h 24m 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.
495 mi Β· 9h 24m by car Β· IA β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 51, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 71.447 | 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
4.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 35.9" |
Expect 5.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.0% β $43,454 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Ohio 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
When is the best time to move from Dayton 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 495 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 Cedar Rapids compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 49.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 4.0% lower than Dayton (88.963 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 495 mi and the route typically takes 9h 24m via I 74 and US 51. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 56.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.