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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fresno is 55% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,324/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$66,804/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 2%
$348,500 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 49%
$1,391/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 22%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $1,055/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $1,055/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
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 Fresno or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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