Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Jersey City is 128% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,902/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 51%
$94,813/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 28%
$534,500 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 67%
$2,006/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 46%
289,691
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $26,954/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $26,954/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Iowa?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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