Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Cedar Rapids is 50% cheaper than Meridian.

$925/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 85%
$67,859/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 45%
$177,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 174%
$1,084/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 48%
136,859
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $30,827/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Meridian — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Meridian?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Meridian?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $30,827/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Idaho?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Meridian

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 Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord