Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Pasadena is 17% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,201/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 23%
$64,270/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
$193,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 9%
$1,141/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 5%
149,345
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $3,589/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,589/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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