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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Salem is 62% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,323/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$71,900/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 6%
$382,400 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 54%
$1,440/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 25%
176,666
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $4,041/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Salem 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $4,041/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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