Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Atlanta is 88% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,617/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 43%
$81,938/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 17%
$420,600 ↑ 137%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 58%
$1,695/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 36%
499,287
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $14,079/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Atlanta 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $14,079/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Iowa?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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