Moving to a new city often requires a lot of research. You want to make sure the town you’re moving to is right for you. In this guide, you’ll find all the crucial information to help make your decision. Here are the pros and cons of moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Iowa City, IA.
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Distance Between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City
The move from Cedar Rapids, IA to Iowa City, IA isn’t too far. Iowa City is located almost directly South of Cedar Rapids. The distance between the two cities is only 27 miles which takes about 35 minutes to travel via car.
Is Cedar Rapids or Iowa City More Affordable?
The average cost of living in a city is an essential factor to consider when moving. You want to ensure you can properly budget for your new home and expenses. Here are the average living expenses in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids
The average cost of living in Cedar Rapids is 11% lower than the national average. This is mainly due to how low housing prices are in Cedar Rapids. The median home price is $321,050 and the average monthly rent is $976, which is 29% less than the national average. Utility rates and groceries are also slightly lower in Cedar Rapids.
Cost of Living in Iowa City
In Iowa City, the average cost of living is 7% less than the national average. This means if you move from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City, your average cost of living will increase by 4%.
Even so, the cost of housing is still much less than the national average. The average home price is $393,041 and the average rent is $1,461 per month. These prices are 20% lower than the national average. Utilities, food, and health care are also lower than most states. Transport expenses, however, are 5% more than the national average.
Schools in Cedar Rapids Versus in Iowa City
For college students and children alike, moving is a major event. Picking up their lives and starting a new school can be extremely difficult so you want to make sure their new school is perfect for them. When moving to a new city, it’s important to consider the local college and school systems.
Schools in Cedar Rapids
There are many top-notch school districts in Cedar Rapids. There are three public school districts and multiple other private school districts your kids can attend.
The town is also home to three colleges. There are two private four-year universities there: Coe College and Mount Mercy University. Additionally, the community is home to Kirkwood Community College, a public two-year institution.
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Schools in Iowa City
There are quite a few high-quality school districts in Iowa City. There are four main public school districts for you to choose from. Additionally, the area is home to numerous private schools which support a wide range of religious beliefs. Overall, moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Iowa City, IA will give your children more schooling options.
In Iowa City, there aren’t as many options for college students. There is only one college in the town. However, The University of Iowa is a large 4-year public college. They’re also a part of the Big 10. Many students would be proud to call themselves Iowa Hawkeyes.
Transportation in Cedar Rapids Versus in Iowa City
Not many people would consider transportation when moving to a new city. But you ought to! You can determine if a city is a good fit for you by looking at things like public transportation, walkability, and bikeability.
Transportation in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is known to be a car-dependent city, according to Walk Score. This means you will be taking a car to do most things. The city is also known for not having many bike lanes. This makes biking in town a little more difficult.
There are a few neighborhoods that are more walkable than others. The Cedar Rapids neighborhoods that are thought to be the most walkable are Mound View, Taylor, and Wellington Heights.
Transportation in Iowa City
Iowa City is also considered a car-dependent city, according to Walk Score. However, they do have a higher walkability score than Cedar Rapids. Walk Score also claims the city is “somewhat bikeable.” The most walkable neighborhoods are Longfellow, Mann, and Roosevelt.
Things to Know When Moving to Iowa City
Are you confident Iowa City is your next home? Let’s get to know the city a little better! Here are some fun facts before you move to Iowa City.
Best Neighborhoods in Iowa City
There are two primary areas in Iowa City: the East Side and the West Side. Both sides of Iowa City’s neighborhoods are full of excellent places to live. The East Side is known for having livelier neighborhoods. They’re closer to downtown and the University of Iowa. West Side neighborhoods are known for their calmer atmosphere. It has fewer nightclubs and more parks.
Iowa City offers the ideal community for you, regardless of the style you’re searching for.
Top Things to Do in Iowa City
Iowa City is full of many amazing attractions and places to visit. Whether you are looking for an indoor or outdoor activity, there’s an option for you. Here are the top places to visit in the city.
- Old Capitol Museum
- The Englert Theater
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
- Devonian Fossil Gorge
The city is also home to a wide variety of different cuisines. Here are some of the top restaurants in Iowa City.
- Wilson’s Ciderhouse
- One Twenty Six & Moonrakers
- Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
The Cost of Moving from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City
Ready to make the move from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City? We’re here to help you break down the cost of moving. The cost of labor will change based on the moving company you choose. We’ll be using UniMovers prices to provide you with an approximate cost of labor-only movers for your move from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City.
Cost of Labor
At UniMovers, labor costs are calculated by the hour. There is a 2-hour and 2-mover minimum for everyone. The rates shown below apply to moves that involve both loading and unloading. These rates are all estimates and may change based on many movable variables.
| Apartment/House Type | Size (square ft) | Number of Movers | Hours | Cost |
| Studio/Small Apartment | 400-600 ft2 | 2 Movers | 3-4 Hours | $360-$480 |
| 1-3 Bedroom Apartment | 700-1200 ft2 | 2 Movers | 4-5 Hours | $480-$600 |
| 2-3 Bedroom Home | 1100-1600 ft2 | 3 Movers | 5-7 Hours | $900-$1260 |
| 3-4 Bedroom Home | 1500-2200 ft2 | 3 Movers | 7-8 Hours | $1260-$1440 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 2000-3000 ft2 | 4 Movers | 7-10 Hours | $1680-$2400 |
| Large House | 3000+ ft2 | 4-6 Movers | 10+ Hours | $2400+ |
Additional Moving Expenses
Besides the cost of labor, there are a few other expenses you need to consider. Two main expenses to budget for are the cost of a moving truck and packing materials.
When hiring a labor-only moving company, you must rent your own moving vehicle. There are many different companies and truck sizes you can choose from. You want to try and find the most affordable moving truck rental that fits your needs.
Budgeting for moving supplies is also very important. You want to make sure you get all the necessary packing supplies. This can be quite the list and can quickly add up in cost. It’s worthwhile to shop around and see if you can receive any moving supplies for free.
Conclusion
Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Iowa City, IA is a big change. However, with big changes come many new opportunities!
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are not too far apart so you won’t be moving too far away from your old home. The cost of living also isn’t too different and it’s still below the national average.
The city also has a wide range of public and private school systems. They also have the University of Iowa which is home to many college students. Iowa City also has a good amount of bike lanes for people to use when riding in town. Many of the town’s local restaurants and attractions are accessible by car or bicycle.
Budgeting for a move to Iowa City is also simple. Using a reputable moving company will allow you to move with ease and start your new adventure.
FAQ
Moving will always be an expense that you will have to plan for. However, since it’s a fairly local move you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg. Most moving companies won’t even charge you a travel fee! That being said, it’s still important you budget for this move.
The difference in cost of living between the two cities is something you should consider and plan for. While it’s only a 4% increase to live in Iowa City, this could cause your average expenses to slightly increase. Make sure to plan ahead and budget correctly for this slight increase.
Overall, moving to Iowa City comes with a lot of new experiences. There are many local attractions, restaurants, and parks for you to visit. Most notable is the University of Iowa and all the events that come with it. You will never be bored if you live in Iowa City!
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
