Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Birmingham is 5% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$1,047/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 12%
$44,376/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 53%
$138,600 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 28%
$991/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 9%
199,322
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $23,483/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Birmingham or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $23,483/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Iowa?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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