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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

San Diego is 203% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,223/mo ↑ 140%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 58%
$104,321/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 35%
$848,500 ↑ 379%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 79%
$2,308/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 53%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,298/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $15,576/year.

Median household income is $36,462/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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 Diego vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,298/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $36,462/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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