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

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Cedar Rapids is 53% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$925/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 99%
$67,859/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 25%
$177,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 170%
$1,084/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 65%
136,859
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $16,758/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $16,758/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Santa Maria

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 Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton