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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Downey

California
169

Cedar Rapids is 62% cheaper than Downey.

$925/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 105%
$67,859/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 29%
$177,100 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 311%
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 84%
136,859
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $967/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,604/year.

Median household income is $19,541/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Downey — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Downey?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $967/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Downey?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $19,541/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Downey details →

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