Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Cedar Rapids is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$925/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 159%
$67,859/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 62%
$177,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 496%
$1,084/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 127%
136,859
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,470/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $17,640/year.

Median household income is $42,214/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,470/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $42,214/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and California?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria