Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Cedar Rapids is 38% cheaper than Clearwater.

$925/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 66%
$67,859/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 5%
$177,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 84%
$1,084/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 30%
136,859
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $3,419/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Clearwater?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Clearwater?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,419/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Florida?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Clearwater

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville