Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Omaha is 23% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,150/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 20%
$72,708/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 7%
$230,100 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 23%
$1,249/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 13%
488,197
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $4,849/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Omaha 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $4,849/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Iowa?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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