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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

San Bernardino is 68% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,433/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 35%
$63,988/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 6%
$384,900 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 54%
$1,478/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 27%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $3,871/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $3,871/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
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 San Bernardino or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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