Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Worcester is 60% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,415/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 35%
$67,544/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,859/yr ≈ Same
$339,500 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 48%
$1,521/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 29%
205,501
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $315/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $315/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Iowa?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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