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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Houston is 35% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,313/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$62,894/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 8%
$253,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 30%
$1,316/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 18%
2,300,419
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $4,965/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $4,965/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
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 Houston or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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