Cedar Rapids, IA vs Urbandale, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cedar Rapids is 21.4% cheaper than Urbandale. With a cost index of 74 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cedar Rapids to Urbandale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month compared to $1,176/month in Urbandale — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cedar Rapids is more affordable at $177,100 median vs $318,800.

Median household income in Cedar Rapids is $67,859 compared to $113,086 in Urbandale (-40%). While Urbandale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cedar Rapids spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, more than the 12.5% in Urbandale.