Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids vs Allentown (2026)
Cedar Rapids has a 8% lower overall cost of living than Allentown as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Cedar Rapids vs $1,400/mo in Allentown — a 21% difference. Allentown has a lower state income tax rate (3.1% vs 5.7%), which adds up over time.
- Cedar Rapids is 8% cheaper overall (COL index: 85 vs 92)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Cedar Rapids vs $1,400/mo — 21% savings
- Higher median household income: Cedar Rapids ($58,000/yr vs $54,000/yr)
- Median home price: $225,000 in Cedar Rapids vs $270,000 — 17% difference
| Category | Cedar Rapids Iowa | Allentown Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,400 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,850 |
| Median home price | $225KBest | $270K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94Best | 100 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Best | $56 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.25 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140Best | $158 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $152Best | $172 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $58KBest | $54K |
| State income tax% | 5.7% | 3.1%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.9% | 6.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 85Best | 92 |
| Walk score / 100 | 30 | 54Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Rapids cheaper than Allentown?
Yes. Cedar Rapids is 8% cheaper than Allentown based on overall cost of living indices (85 vs 92, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Cedar Rapids vs Allentown?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Cedar Rapids is $1,100/month and in Allentown is $1,400/month. Cedar Rapids is cheaper by 21%.
How much do I need to earn in Allentown to match a $75,000 salary in Cedar Rapids?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $81,176/year in Allentown to match a $75,000 salary in Cedar Rapids. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Cedar Rapids or Allentown?
Allentown has the lower state income tax rate at 3.1% vs 5.7%. The difference is 2.6 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Cedar Rapids to Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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