Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Boise is 72% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,359/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 32%
$81,308/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 17%
$456,000 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 61%
$1,337/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 19%
235,701
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $13,449/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Boise 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $13,449/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Iowa?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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