Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Memphis is 5% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,123/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 18%
$51,211/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 33%
$157,100 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 13%
$1,087/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
629,063
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $198/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,376/year.

Median household income is $16,648/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Memphis 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 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $198/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,648/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Iowa?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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