Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

St. Paul is 40% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,248/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 26%
$73,055/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 7%
$280,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 37%
$1,390/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 22%
307,762
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $5,196/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $5,196/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Iowa?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Cedar Rapids

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro 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