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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Arlington is 212% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,275/mo ↑ 146%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 59%
$140,160/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 52%
$864,800 ↑ 388%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 80%
$2,414/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 55%
235,463
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,350/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $16,200/year.

Median household income is $72,301/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,350/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $72,301/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

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