Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Cedar Rapids is 30% cheaper than Rochester.

$925/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 42%
$67,859/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 29%
$177,100 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 62%
$1,084/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 23%
136,859
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $19,908/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Rochester — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Rochester?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $19,908/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Minnesota?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Rochester details →

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