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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Pittsburgh is 17% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,221/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 24%
$64,137/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
$193,200 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 8%
$1,136/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 5%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $3,722/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,722/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 Pittsburgh or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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