Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Garland is 48% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,525/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 39%
$74,717/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 9%
$248,900 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 29%
$1,445/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 25%
245,298
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $6,858/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Garland 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 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $6,858/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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