Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Durham is 62% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,412/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 34%
$79,234/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 14%
$355,300 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 50%
$1,434/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
288,465
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $11,375/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $11,375/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Cedar Rapids

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar