Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Gilbert is 128% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,028/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 54%
$121,351/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 44%
$518,600 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 66%
$1,908/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 43%
271,118
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,103/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $13,236/year.

Median household income is $53,492/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Gilbert 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,103/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $53,492/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Cedar Rapids

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