Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fremont is 328% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,905/mo ↑ 214%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 68%
$176,350/yr ↑ 160%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 62%
$1,289,400 ↑ 628%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 86%
$3,000/mo ↑ 177%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 64%
228,518
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,980/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $23,760/year.

Median household income is $108,491/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fremont 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 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,980/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $108,491/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Cedar Rapids

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah 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