Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Lubbock is 15% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,137/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 19%
$60,487/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 12%
$197,900 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 11%
$1,179/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 8%
261,078
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $7,372/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Lubbock 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 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,372/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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