Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Bellevue is 285% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,505/mo ↑ 171%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 63%
$161,300/yr ↑ 138%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 58%
$1,203,100 ↑ 579%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 85%
$2,586/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 58%
151,199
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,580/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $18,960/year.

Median household income is $93,441/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Bellevue 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 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,580/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $93,441/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Iowa?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Cedar Rapids

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar