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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Austin is 106% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,655/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 44%
$91,461/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 26%
$512,700 ↑ 189%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 65%
$1,747/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 38%
967,862
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $730/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,760/year.

Median household income is $23,602/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $730/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $23,602/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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