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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Tacoma is 94% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,597/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 42%
$83,857/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 19%
$454,600 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 61%
$1,747/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 38%
220,482
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $15,998/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $15,998/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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