Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa

Elizabeth

New Jersey

112

Cedar Rapids is 47% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$925/mo ↓ 37%

Median Rent

$1,463/mo ↑ 58%

$67,859/yr ↑ 6%

Median Income

$63,874/yr ↓ 6%

$177,100 ↓ 55%

Home Value

$393,500 ↑ 122%

$1,084/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,543/mo ↑ 42%

136,859

Population

135,887

Tax Comparison

5.7%

Income Tax

10.75%

6.0%

Sales Tax

6.625%

1.57%

Property Tax

2.23%

Affordability

16.4%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.5%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $3,985/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 112 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Elizabeth?

Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $538/month.

Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Elizabeth?

Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,985/year higher in Cedar Rapids.

How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Jersey?

Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.

Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Elizabeth?

It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.