Cedar Rapids, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cedar Rapids is 19.6% cheaper than West Des Moines. With a cost index of 74 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cedar Rapids to West Des Moines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cedar Rapids is more affordable at $177,100 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Cedar Rapids is $67,859 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-20.1%). While West Des Moines 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, less than the 16.9% in West Des Moines.