Moving from Durham to Cedar Rapids (2026)
Cedar Rapids has a COL index of 85 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Cedar Rapids to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,333 |
| $50K | $41,667 |
| $60K | $50,000 |
| $75K | $62,500 |
| $80K | $66,667 |
| $100K | $83,333 |
| $120K | $100,000 |
| $150K | $125,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Cedar Rapids
| Expense | Durham | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $357 |
| Transport | $82 | $45 |
| Utilities | $155 | $152 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,672 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Rapids cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 85 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Cedar Rapids?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Cedar Rapids could save roughly $709/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,508/year.
What salary do I need in Cedar Rapids to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $62,500/year in Cedar Rapids. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only