Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA
Population 136,859 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Cedar Rapids can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $177,000 against $67,859 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $925/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,859/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 58.1°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 28 | 33 | 46 | 60 | 71 | 80 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 11 | 16 | 27 | 38 | 50 | 60 | 63 | 60 | 52 | 40 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 0.95 | 1.22 | 1.99 | 3.56 | 4.25 | 5.56 | 4.41 | 4.07 | 3.40 | 2.91 | 2.00 | 1.59 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median gross rent in Cedar Rapids is $925 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cedar Rapids?
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cedar Rapids?
The median household income in Cedar Rapids is $67,859 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cedar Rapids is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA affordable?
Yes, Cedar Rapids is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids has average high temperatures of 58.1°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 35.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cedar Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 136,859
- Median Income
- $67,859
- Home Value
- $177,100
- Median Rent
- $925/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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