Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Sacramento is 103% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,694/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 45%
$83,753/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 19%
$484,600 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 63%
$1,752/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 38%
524,802
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $15,894/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $15,894/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Iowa?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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