Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Cedar Rapids, IA
It is a 277 mi drive, roughly 5h 16m, between Minneapolis, MN and Cedar Rapids, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
277 mi Β· 5h 16m by car Β· MN β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35W, IA 27, US 18 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.1% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 35.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 33 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.32 |
Households in Cedar Rapids earn about 15.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 15.1% lower than Minneapolis (88.963 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 15.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 277 mi and the route typically takes 5h 16m via I 35W and IA 27. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 38.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis 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 277 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.