Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Newark is 54% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,330/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$48,416/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 40%
$337,800 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 48%
$1,419/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
307,188
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $19,443/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $19,443/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Iowa?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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