Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Cedar Rapids is 48% cheaper than Sparks.

$925/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 78%
$67,859/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 28%
$177,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 157%
$1,084/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 49%
136,859
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $19,120/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Sparks — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Sparks?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Sparks?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $19,120/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Nevada?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Sparks details →

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