Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Cary is 108% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,621/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 43%
$129,399/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 48%
$525,200 ↑ 197%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 66%
$1,744/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 38%
176,686
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $61,540/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Cary 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 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $61,540/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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