Cedar Rapids, IA vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Cedar Rapids has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 74 | 75 | Cedar Rapids |
| Housing | 51 ($648) | 53 ($738) | Cedar Rapids |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Cedar Rapids |
| Food & groceries | 91 ($373) | 86 ($353) | Des Moines |
| Utilities | 76 ($92) | 77 ($95) | Cedar Rapids |
| Healthcare | 76 ($66) | 77 ($69) | Cedar Rapids |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 100 ($48,540) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Rapids, IA or Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Cedar Rapids, IA is cheaper overall by about 1 index points (Cedar Rapids, IA: 74, Des Moines, IA: 75; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Cedar Rapids, IA vs Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $25,900/year in Cedar Rapids, IA and $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.