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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Milwaukee and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 10%
$51,888/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 31%
$172,000 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 3%
$1,082/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $15,971/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Milwaukee 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 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $15,971/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
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 Milwaukee or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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