Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Raleigh is 69% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,468/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 37%
$82,424/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 18%
$377,800 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 53%
$1,487/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 27%
470,763
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $14,565/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $14,565/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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