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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Kansas City is 23% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,186/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 22%
$67,449/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,859/yr ≈ Same
$227,000 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 22%
$1,205/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 10%
508,233
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $410/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $410/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Iowa?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 →

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