Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Cedar Rapids is 18% cheaper than Allentown.

$925/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 37%
$67,859/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 21%
$177,100 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 7%
$1,084/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 15%
136,859
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $14,456/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Allentown — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Allentown?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Allentown?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $14,456/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Pennsylvania?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Allentown details →

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