Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Cedar Rapids is 14% cheaper than Waterbury.

$925/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 28%
$67,859/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 24%
$177,100 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 5%
$1,084/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 17%
136,859
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $16,217/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Waterbury?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Waterbury?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $16,217/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Connecticut?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Waterbury details →

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