Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Cedar Rapids is 21% cheaper than Lakeland.

$925/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 40%
$67,859/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 10%
$177,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 29%
$1,084/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 6%
136,859
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $6,912/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Lakeland?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Lakeland?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $6,912/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Florida?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Lakeland

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 Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon