Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Seattle is 202% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,998/mo ↑ 116%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 54%
$121,984/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 44%
$912,100 ↑ 415%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 51%
741,440
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,073/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $12,876/year.

Median household income is $54,125/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Iowa's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $1,073/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $54,125/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Iowa?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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