Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Cedar Rapids is 7% more expensive than Springfield.

$925/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↑ 2%
$67,859/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 3%
$177,100 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 12%
$1,084/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 10%
136,859
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,322/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Springfield — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Springfield?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Springfield?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $2,322/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces