Is Denver, CO cheaper than Cedar Rapids, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 19.5% more expensive than Cedar Rapids, IA. This translates to spending an extra $1464 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Cedar Rapids, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Cedar Rapids, IA, you'd need approximately $167,562.94 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cedar Rapids, IA and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 52.8% more expensive than in Cedar Rapids, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,104/month in Cedar Rapids, IA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1464 more per month than Cedar Rapids, IA, or $17563 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cedar Rapids, IA vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Cedar Rapids, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

Current salary in Cedar Rapids, IA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.6K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 19.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,464

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$17.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Population:136K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$197K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:120

Median Home:$513K

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Hawkeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Denver, CO

Category	Cedar Rapids, IA	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,126/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,122more	52.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,271/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $190more	15.0%
📦Other	$1,643/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $131more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$920/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $110more	11.9%
🏥Healthcare	$689/mo	$632/mo	↓ $57.24less	8.3%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$519/mo	↑ $43.88more	9.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 52.8%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$2,126

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,122

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.0%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,271

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$190

📦Other

↑ 8.0%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,643

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$131

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.9%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$920

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$110

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.3%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$689

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$57.24

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$475

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$43.88

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Cedar Rapids, IA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$757

To$1,720

↑ $963

1 Bed

From$844

To$1,840

↑ $996

2 Bed

From$1,104

To$2,190

↑ $1,086

3 Bed

From$1,534

To$2,870

↑ $1,336

Cedar Rapids, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,125

Monthly in Cedar Rapids, IA

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,540

Difference

Home Values

Cedar Rapids

Denver

$197K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$117K - $432K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 160% more expensive than Cedar Rapids

Calculate payment - Cedar Rapids Calculate payment - Denver

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$342

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Cedar Rapids, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Cedar Rapids, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.