Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Cedar Rapids is 24% cheaper than Billings.

$925/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 19%
$67,859/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 6%
$177,100 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 76%
$1,084/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 9%
136,859
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $3,996/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Billings — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Billings?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Billings?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $3,996/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Montana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Billings details →

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