Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Kent, WA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Cedar Rapids is 55% cheaper than Kent.

$925/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 98%
$67,859/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 33%
$177,100 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 204%
$1,084/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 77%
136,859
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $908/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $10,896/year.

Median household income is $22,557/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Kent — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Kent?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $908/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Kent?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $22,557/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Washington?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

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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 Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights