Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Kansas City and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$1,073/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 14%
$59,183/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 15%
$147,100 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 20%
$1,054/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 3%
154,776
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $8,676/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Kansas 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 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $8,676/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Iowa?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Cedar Rapids

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood 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