Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Cedar Rapids, IA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.4% more expensive than Cedar Rapids, IA. This translates to spending an extra $404 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Cedar Rapids, IA?

If you earn $150,000 in Cedar Rapids, IA, you'd need approximately $154,850.956 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cedar Rapids, IA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 16.1% more expensive than in Cedar Rapids, IA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,104/month in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $404 more per month than Cedar Rapids, IA, or $4851 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cedar Rapids, IA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $404/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$404

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Hawkeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Cedar Rapids, IA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,126/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $343more	16.1%
🏥Healthcare	$689/mo	$601/mo	↓ $88.22less	12.8%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$546/mo	↑ $71.20more	15.0%
📦Other	$1,643/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $64.03more	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$920/mo	$959/mo	↑ $39.72more	4.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,271/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $12.82more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 16.1%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$2,126

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$343

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.8%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$689

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$88.22

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.0%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$475

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$71.20

📦Other

↑ 3.9%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,643

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$64.03

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.3%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$920

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$39.72

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.0%

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,271

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$12.82

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$757

To$1,570

↑ $813

1 Bed

From$844

To$1,640

↑ $796

2 Bed

From$1,104

To$1,800

↑ $696

3 Bed

From$1,534

To$2,255

↑ $721

Cedar Rapids, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$442

Difference

Home Values

Cedar Rapids

Raleigh

$197K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$117K - $432K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 160% more expensive than Cedar Rapids

Calculate payment - Cedar Rapids Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$298

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Cedar Rapids, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.