Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Portland is 112% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,596/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 42%
$88,792/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 24%
$557,600 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 68%
$1,771/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 39%
642,715
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $20,933/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $20,933/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Iowa?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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