Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Cedar Rapids is 39% cheaper than Manchester.

$925/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 58%
$67,859/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 14%
$177,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 90%
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 43%
136,859
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $9,556/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Manchester — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Manchester?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Manchester?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $9,556/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Hampshire?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Manchester details →

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