Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocating 1112 mi from Virginia Beach to Cedar Rapids is a 21h 4m drive through 6 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.
1112 mi Β· 21h 4m by car Β· VA β WV β OH β IN β IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β OH β IN β IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 74, US 35 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Virginia Beach | Cedar Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 88.963 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 83.981 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 71.447 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.2% cheaper overall in Cedar Rapids than Virginia Beach on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Cedar Rapids +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 35.9" |
Expect 11.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 136,859 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $67,859 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.2% β $90,685 β $67,859 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 (11.5Β°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 Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $204,112 in Cedar Rapids vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach β a 52.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cedar Rapids, IA from Virginia Beach, VA?
The driving distance is 1112 mi and the route typically takes 21h 4m via I 64 and I 74. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cedar Rapids is 9.2% lower than Virginia Beach (88.963 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cedar Rapids compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA, on total employment of 140,020 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach 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 1112 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 Virginia Beach vs Cedar Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach β a 25.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA Β· Cedar Rapids, IA.