Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Cedar Rapids is 29% cheaper than College Station.

$925/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 26%
$67,859/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 24%
$177,100 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 84%
$1,084/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 15%
136,859
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $16,083/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs College Station — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and College Station?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or College Station?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $16,083/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Texas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette