Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Mesa is 65% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,478/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 37%
$78,779/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 14%
$364,300 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 51%
$1,404/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 23%
507,478
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $10,920/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $10,920/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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