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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Surprise is 94% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,917/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 52%
$93,371/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 27%
$396,000 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 55%
$1,587/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 32%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $25,512/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $25,512/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Cedar Rapids

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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