Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Cincinnati is 6% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$953/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 3%
$51,707/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 31%
$215,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 18%
$1,041/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 4%
309,595
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,152/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Cincinnati 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 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,152/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Iowa?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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