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

Orange

California
206
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Orange is 141% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,252/mo ↑ 143%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 59%
$116,945/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 42%
$900,700 ↑ 409%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 80%
$2,394/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 55%
138,723
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,327/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $15,924/year.

Median household income is $49,086/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,327/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $49,086/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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.
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