Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Cedar Rapids is 73% cheaper than Cambridge.

$925/mo ↓ 66%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 196%
$67,859/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 86%
$177,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 488%
$1,084/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 143%
136,859
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,817/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $21,804/year.

Median household income is $58,610/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Cambridge?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,817/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $58,610/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Massachusetts?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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