Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Cedar Rapids is 45% cheaper than Lowell.

$925/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 73%
$67,859/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 12%
$177,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 123%
$1,084/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 54%
136,859
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $678/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,136/year.

Median household income is $8,346/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Lowell — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Lowell?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $678/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Lowell?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,346/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Massachusetts?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Lowell details →

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