Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Cedar Rapids, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 12.1% more expensive than Cedar Rapids, IA. This translates to spending an extra $909 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Cedar Rapids, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Cedar Rapids, IA, you'd need approximately $160,913.595 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cedar Rapids, IA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 31.2% more expensive than in Cedar Rapids, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,104/month in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $909 more per month than Cedar Rapids, IA, or $10914 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cedar Rapids, IA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $909/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.9K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 12.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$909

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.9K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$414K

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Hawkeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Cedar Rapids, IA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,126/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $662more	31.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,271/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $218more	17.1%
🏥Healthcare	$689/mo	$589/mo	↓ $101less	14.6%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$561/mo	↑ $85.96more	18.1%
🛒Groceries	$920/mo	$963/mo	↑ $43.72more	4.8%
📦Other	$1,643/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $33.90more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 31.2%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$2,126

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$662

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.1%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,271

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$218

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.6%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$689

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$101

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 18.1%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$475

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$85.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.8%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$920

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$43.72

📦Other

↑ 2.1%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,643

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$33.90

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$757

To$1,390

↑ $633

1 Bed

From$844

To$1,510

↑ $666

2 Bed

From$1,104

To$1,750

↑ $646

3 Bed

From$1,534

To$2,330

↑ $796

Cedar Rapids, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$943

Difference

Home Values

Cedar Rapids

Phoenix

$197K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$117K - $432K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 110% more expensive than Cedar Rapids

Calculate payment - Cedar Rapids Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$456

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Cedar Rapids, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.