Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Cedar Rapids, IA
The drive from Pembroke Pines, FL to Cedar Rapids, IA runs 1491 mi β about 27h 43m 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.
1491 mi Β· 27h 43m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, US 61 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pembroke Pines | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Cedar Rapids come in 22.1% under Pembroke Pines β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cedar Rapids typical home at $204,112 is 22.1% under Pembroke Pines at $487,422 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | 35.9" |
NOAA normals show Cedar Rapids running 29.0Β°F below Pembroke Pines on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 22.1%: $81,675 in Pembroke Pines 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 Florida 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (29.0Β°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 does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pembroke Pines vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 16.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cedar Rapids compared to Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 58.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 22.1% lower than Pembroke Pines (88.963 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines 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 1491 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 Pembroke Pines, FL?
The driving distance is 1491 mi and the route typically takes 27h 43m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.