Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Scottsdale is 154% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,910/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 52%
$107,372/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 37%
$709,900 ↑ 301%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 75%
$1,824/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 41%
242,169
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $39,513/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $39,513/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Iowa?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Cedar Rapids

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar