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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

San Francisco is 311% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$2,419/mo ↑ 162%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 62%
$141,446/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 52%
$1,380,500 ↑ 680%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 87%
$2,620/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 59%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,494/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $17,928/year.

Median household income is $73,587/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,494/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $73,587/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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