Moving from Jackson, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Jackson, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 761 mi β about 14h 12m 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.
761 mi Β· 14h 12m by car Β· MS β TN β AR β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MS β TN β AR β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 61, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jackson | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.048 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.137 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.219 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.768 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cedar Rapids and Jackson is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cedar Rapids is 0.1% above Jackson β $87,256 vs $204,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Jackson -1.7%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Jackson | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.3" | 35.9" |
Cedar Rapids runs 17.7Β°F colder on the annual average (66.0Β°F vs 48.3Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JACKSON HAWKINS FLD, MS US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jackson | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,827 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $43,238 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.1% between Jackson and Cedar Rapids (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 Mississippi 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.
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 (17.7Β°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 Jackson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $87,256 in Jackson β a 133.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Jackson, MS?
The driving distance is 761 mi and the route typically takes 14h 12m via I 55 and US 61. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Jackson vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $43,238 in Jackson β a 56.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Jackson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 0.1% lower than Jackson (88.963 vs 89.048, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jackson 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 761 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Jackson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $39,540 in the Jackson MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 252,860 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 Jackson.
City profiles: Jackson, MS Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.