Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Rochester is 6% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$1,039/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 11%
$46,628/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 46%
$120,600 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 47%
$1,009/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 7%
209,720
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $21,231/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Rochester or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $21,231/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between New York and Iowa?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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