Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Syracuse is 9% cheaper than Cedar Rapids.

$998/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 7%
$45,845/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 48%
$125,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 42%
$980/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 11%
146,211
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $22,014/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Syracuse or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $22,014/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between New York and Iowa?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $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 Syracuse details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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