Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Wichita and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$960/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 4%
$63,072/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 8%
$179,500 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 1%
$994/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 9%
396,488
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,787/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Wichita 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 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $4,787/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Iowa?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Cedar Rapids

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora 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