Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Cedar Rapids, IA
The 390 mi from Fort Wayne to Cedar Rapids translate to about 7h 47m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
390 mi Β· 7h 47m by car Β· IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 30, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Wayne | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.572 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.247 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.277 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fort Wayne (92.572) and Cedar Rapids (88.963) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Cedar Rapids ZHVI at $204,112 is 3.9% below Fort Wayne at $242,385.
YoY change: Fort Wayne +2.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Wayne | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Wayne | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 266,235 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $60,293 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 3.9%: $60,293 in Fort Wayne 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 Indiana 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 Fort Wayne?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $242,385 in Fort Wayne β a 15.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Fort Wayne?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 221,290 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Fort Wayne?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 3.9% lower than Fort Wayne (88.963 vs 92.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Fort Wayne, IN?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 47m via I 80 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Wayne vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $60,293 in Fort Wayne β a 12.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne 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 390 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Wayne.
City profiles: Fort Wayne, IN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.