Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Cedar Rapids is 155% cheaper than Pasadena.

$925/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 140%
$67,859/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 53%
$177,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 490%
$1,084/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 116%
136,859
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,293/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $15,516/year.

Median household income is $35,919/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Pasadena?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,293/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $35,919/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and California?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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