Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Des Moines is 8% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,054/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 12%
$63,966/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
$183,700 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 4%
$1,137/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 5%
212,464
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $3,893/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Iowa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Des Moines 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 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,893/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Iowa?
Both cities are in Iowa and share the same state tax rates: 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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