Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Madison is 58% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,364/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 32%
$76,983/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 12%
$346,900 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 49%
$1,476/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 27%
275,568
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $9,124/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $9,124/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Iowa?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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