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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Cedar Rapids is 61% cheaper than Fairfield.

$925/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 137%
$67,859/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 51%
$177,100 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 235%
$1,084/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 105%
136,859
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,266/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $15,192/year.

Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Fairfield?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,266/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Fairfield?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill