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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Arlington is 46% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,389/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 33%
$73,519/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 8%
$276,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 36%
$1,420/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
394,769
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $5,660/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Arlington 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 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $5,660/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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