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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Richmond

California
161

Cedar Rapids is 60% cheaper than Richmond.

$925/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 105%
$67,859/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$177,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 267%
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 86%
136,859
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $22,179/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Richmond — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Richmond?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Richmond?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $22,179/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Richmond details →

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