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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Cleveland is 22% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$894/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↑ 3%
$39,187/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 73%
$94,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 88%
$866/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 25%
367,523
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $28,672/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Cleveland or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $28,672/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 Cleveland or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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