Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Virginia Beach is 80% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,649/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 44%
$90,685/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 25%
$366,300 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 52%
$1,704/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 36%
457,066
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $22,826/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $22,826/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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.
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