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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fullerton is 200% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,124/mo ↑ 130%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 56%
$104,219/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 35%
$859,600 ↑ 385%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 79%
$2,251/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 52%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,199/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $14,388/year.

Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fullerton 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,199/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $36,360/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Cedar Rapids

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren 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