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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fort Collins is 111% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,661/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 44%
$83,598/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 19%
$548,400 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 68%
$1,692/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 36%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $736/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,832/year.

Median household income is $15,739/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fort Collins 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 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $736/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $15,739/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Cedar Rapids

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas 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