Moving from High Point, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 918 mi from High Point to Cedar Rapids is a 17h 31m drive through 7 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.
918 mi Β· 17h 31m 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, Winston Salem, Greensboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
High Point and Cedar Rapids sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Cedar Rapids run about 4.2% cheaper β ZHVI $249,821 β $204,112 (2026-03).
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | High Point | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 35.9" |
Expect 12.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.2% higher in Cedar Rapids than High Point.
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 (12.8Β°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 High Point 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 918 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 High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $249,821 in High Point β a 18.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 4.2% lower than High Point (88.963 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $61,228 in High Point β a 10.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 918 mi and the route typically takes 17h 31m via I 74 and US 51. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.