Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Baltimore is 29% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,290/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 28%
$59,623/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 14%
$219,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 19%
$1,333/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 19%
577,193
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $8,236/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $8,236/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Iowa?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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