Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Denver is 126% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,770/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 48%
$91,681/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 26%
$586,700 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 70%
$1,839/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 41%
713,734
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $845/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $10,140/year.

Median household income is $23,822/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $845/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $23,822/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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