Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Amarillo is 4% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,049/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 12%
$62,469/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 9%
$186,800 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 5%
$1,074/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
200,945
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $5,390/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Amarillo 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 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $5,390/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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.
View Amarillo details → View Cedar Rapids details →