Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Long Beach is 160% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,803/mo ↑ 95%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 49%
$83,969/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 19%
$762,200 ↑ 330%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 77%
$1,890/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 43%
458,491
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $16,110/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,110/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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