Mobile, AL vs Cedar Rapids, IA: 66 vs 65

$1,029/mo ↑ 11%

Median Rent

$925/mo ↓ 10%

$51,090/yr ↓ 25%

Median Income

$67,859/yr ↑ 33%

$170,300 ↓ 4%

Home Value

$177,100 ↑ 4%

$1,016/mo ↓ 6%

Owner Costs

$1,084/mo ↑ 7%

185,097

Population

136,859

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $16,769/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Mobile 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 66 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Mobile and Cedar Rapids?

Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $104/month.

Which city has higher income, Mobile or Cedar Rapids?

Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,769/year higher in Cedar Rapids.

How do taxes compare between Alabama and Iowa?

Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.

Should I move to Mobile or Cedar Rapids?

It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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.

Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Mobile

Cedar Rapids

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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