Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Waco is 11% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,098/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 16%
$51,468/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 32%
$199,600 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 11%
$1,094/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
141,925
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $16,391/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Waco 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 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $16,391/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Iowa?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Cedar Rapids

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange 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