Moving from Madison, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA
Moving from Madison, WI to Cedar Rapids, IA covers 166 mi and about 3h 27m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
166 mi Β· 3h 27m by car Β· WI β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, US 18, US 61 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.287 to 88.963, putting Cedar Rapids roughly 8.6% below Madison on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cedar Rapids: 8.6% below Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Cedar Rapids is 8.6% below Madison ($76,983 β $67,859, 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $423,767 in Madison β a 51.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison 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 166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 166 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via US 151 and US 18. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $76,983 in Madison β a 11.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 8.6% lower than Madison (88.963 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.