Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Los Angeles is 188% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,879/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 51%
$80,366/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 397%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 47%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $12,507/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $12,507/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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More Comparisons

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