Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Lakewood is 117% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,746/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 47%
$85,789/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 21%
$548,200 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 68%
$1,729/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 37%
156,309
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $821/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $9,852/year.

Median household income is $17,930/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Lakewood 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 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $821/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $17,930/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Cedar Rapids

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield 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