Moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1391 mi from Port St. Lucie to Cedar Rapids is a 25h 52m 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.
1391 mi Β· 25h 52m 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 | Palm Bay, Orlando, Gainesville, South Fulton, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Port St. Lucie | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.228 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.031 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.642 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.2% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Port St. Lucie on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Port St. Lucie β, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Port St. Lucie | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 57Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 58.9" | 35.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 26.9Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NETTLES IS, FL US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Port St. Lucie | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,453 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $78,137 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.78 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.2% lower in Cedar Rapids than Port St. Lucie.
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 (26.9Β°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
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Port St. Lucie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 11.2% lower than Port St. Lucie (88.963 vs 100.228, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Port St. Lucie, FL?
The driving distance is 1391 mi and the route typically takes 25h 52m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Port St. Lucie 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 1391 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Port St. Lucie vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $78,137 in Port St. Lucie β a 13.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Port St. Lucie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $40,900 in the Port St. Lucie MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 163,210 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 Port St. Lucie.
City profiles: Port St. Lucie, FL Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.