Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Cedar Rapids is 57% cheaper than Arvada.

$925/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 95%
$67,859/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 67%
$177,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 239%
$1,084/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 80%
136,859
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $45,537/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Arvada — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Arvada?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Arvada?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $45,537/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Colorado?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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