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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Glendale is 229% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,095/mo ↑ 126%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 56%
$84,262/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 19%
$1,043,900 ↑ 489%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 83%
$2,212/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 51%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,170/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $14,040/year.

Median household income is $16,403/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Glendale 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 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,170/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,403/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Cedar Rapids

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville 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