Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Norfolk is 37% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,246/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 26%
$64,017/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
$271,900 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 35%
$1,366/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 21%
235,037
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $3,842/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Norfolk 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 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,842/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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