Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Modesto is 85% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,609/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 43%
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 57%
$1,613/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 33%
218,614
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $684/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,208/year.

Median household income is $10,040/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $684/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $10,040/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar