Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Phoenix is 68% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,458/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 37%
$77,041/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 12%
$381,900 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 54%
$1,430/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 24%
1,624,832
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $9,182/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $9,182/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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