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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Cedar Rapids and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$925/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 15%
$67,859/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 12%
$177,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 6%
$1,084/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 4%
136,859
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $8,379/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Independence — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Independence?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Independence?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $8,379/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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Independence details →

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