Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Philadelphia is 31% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,323/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$60,698/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 12%
$232,400 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 24%
$1,233/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 12%
1,582,432
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $7,161/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,161/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Iowa?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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