Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Alexandria is 108% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,031/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 54%
$113,638/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 40%
$696,800 ↑ 293%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 75%
$2,173/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 50%
156,788
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $45,779/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Alexandria or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,106/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $45,779/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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