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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Irvine is 294% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,893/mo ↑ 213%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 68%
$129,647/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 48%
$1,115,400 ↑ 530%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 84%
$2,904/mo ↑ 168%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 63%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,968/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $23,616/year.

Median household income is $61,788/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,968/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $61,788/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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