Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Cedar Rapids is 71% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$925/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 179%
$67,859/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 98%
$177,100 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 437%
$1,084/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 151%
136,859
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,655/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $19,860/year.

Median household income is $66,508/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,655/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $66,508/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Thousand Oaks

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 Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian