Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Cedar Rapids is 19% cheaper than Columbia.

$925/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 15%
$67,859/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 5%
$177,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 51%
$1,084/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 3%
136,859
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $3,371/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Columbia — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Columbia?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Columbia?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,371/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Missouri?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Columbia details →

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