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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Tempe is 85% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,623/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 43%
$77,643/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 13%
$421,900 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 58%
$1,554/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 30%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $9,784/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Tempe 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $9,784/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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