Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Little Rock is 14% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,067/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 13%
$60,583/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 12%
$221,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 20%
$1,099/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 1%
202,739
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $7,276/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Little Rock 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,276/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Iowa?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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