salaryCedar Rapids is the 2nd-largest city in Iowa that we track, with 137,264 residents. Rent is lower than in 78% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 18.6 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $46,720 a year. That is $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Iowa cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Iowa. It is number 52 of 86 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Cedar Rapids?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Cedar Rapids
| Size | Cedar Rapids | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $843 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $816 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,146 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,493 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,637 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Cedar Rapids overall?
Everyday prices in the Cedar Rapids metro area are 11% below the U.S. average (index 89.0, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Cedar Rapids
Life in Cedar Rapids
What jobs pay in Cedar Rapids
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $137,570 | 10.2% |
| Pharmacist | $133,520 | 10.5% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,890 | 10.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,680 | 10.8% |
| Software Developer | $114,340 | 12.3% |
| Civil Engineer | $95,540 | 14.7% |
| Operations Manager | $90,620 | 15.5% |
| Plumber | $83,210 | 16.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,270 | 17.0% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $81,510 | 17.2% |
| Police Officer | $79,280 | 17.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $78,370 | 17.9% |
| Accountant | $77,180 | 18.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,630 | 22.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,840 | 22.7% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,430 | 22.8% |
| Firefighter | $61,370 | 22.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $60,680 | 23.1% |
| Carpenter | $58,920 | 23.8% |
| Truck Driver | $58,900 | 23.8% |
| Electrician | $50,230 | 27.9% |
| Medical Assistant | $46,480 | 30.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $45,510 | 30.8% |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,300 | 32.4% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,110 | 35.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,720 | 39.2% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,430 | 41.9% |
| Cashier | $29,270 | 47.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $21,670 | 64.7% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Cedar Rapids?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $130 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $187,100 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $18,710 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Cedar Rapids, IA?
Renting in Cedar Rapids costs a median of about $1,168 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Iowa median is $1,071.
How much do I need to make to live in Cedar Rapids?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $46,720 a year, or $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Cedar Rapids cheap or expensive?
Cedar Rapids is rated Cheap: rent takes 18.5% of the typical household income of $75,952. It ranks 52nd cheapest of 86 Iowa cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Cedar Rapids?
The median homeowner in Cedar Rapids pays $3,233 a year in property taxes, about 1.73% of the median home value.
Is Cedar Rapids more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 11% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Cedar Rapids?
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $187,100, about 2.5 times the typical yearly household income.
137,264 people live in Cedar Rapids. Numbers are typical (middle) values.