Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Cedar Rapids is 22% cheaper than Athens.

$925/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 26%
$67,859/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
$177,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 53%
$1,084/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 7%
136,859
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $16,204/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Athens — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Athens?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Athens?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $16,204/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Georgia?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Athens details →

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