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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Chicago is 54% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,380/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 33%
$75,134/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 10%
$315,200 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 44%
$1,502/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 28%
2,707,648
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $7,275/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Chicago or Cedar Rapids 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 Chicago and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,275/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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