Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Cedar Rapids is 53% cheaper than Allen.

$925/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 103%
$67,859/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 90%
$177,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 143%
$1,084/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 92%
136,859
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $952/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,424/year.

Median household income is $61,271/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Allen — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Allen?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $952/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Allen?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $61,271/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Texas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Allen details →

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