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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Cedar Rapids is 79% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$925/mo ↓ 69%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 223%
$67,859/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 156%
$177,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 763%
$1,084/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 181%
136,859
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,060/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $24,720/year.

Median household income is $105,811/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $2,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $105,811/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville