Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Providence is 52% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,333/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 31%
$66,772/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 2%
$322,800 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 45%
$1,467/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 26%
190,214
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $1,087/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Providence 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 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $1,087/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Iowa?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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