Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Cedar Rapids is 35% cheaper than Wilmington.

$925/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 42%
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 6%
$177,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 98%
$1,084/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 26%
136,859
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $3,959/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Wilmington?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Wilmington?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,959/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Carolina?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View Wilmington details →

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