Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Salt Lake City is 80% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,343/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 31%
$74,925/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 9%
$495,700 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 64%
$1,394/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 22%
203,888
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $7,066/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,066/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Iowa?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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