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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Ontario is 134% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,916/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 52%
$82,806/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 18%
$568,000 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 69%
$1,967/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 45%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $991/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,892/year.

Median household income is $14,947/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $991/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $14,947/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Cedar Rapids

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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