Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $977 (excluding rent), and $2,051 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,631 (excluding rent), and $3,965 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.24 $15.24

$12.2 $12.2

$20.33 $20.33

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$70.3 $70.3

$50.2 $50.2

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.48 $10.48

$8.98 $8.98

$14.97 $14.97

Cappuccino

$5.43 $5.43

$4.03 $4.03

$7.41 $7.41

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.28 $1.28

$3.58 $3.58

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.49 $1.49

$0.98 $0.98

$2.95 $2.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.52 $4.52

$3.01 $3.01

$8.04 $8.04

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.9 $5.9

$4.92 $4.92

$7.87 $7.87

Milk (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.47 $0.47

$1.28 $1.28

White Bread (500g)

$2.82 $2.82

$1.53 $1.53

$7.53 $7.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.71 $4.71

$2.06 $2.06

$6.7 $6.7

Eggs

$3.2 $3.2

$1.55 $1.55

$6.05 $6.05

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.89 $13.89

$11.01 $11.01

$19.86 $19.86

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.9 $10.9

$5.91 $5.91

$28.74 $28.74

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.86 $15.86

$7.63 $7.63

$21.8 $21.8

Apples (1kg)

$4.36 $4.36

$2.57 $2.57

$12.97 $12.97

Banana (1kg)

$1.16 $1.16

$1.06 $1.06

$2.36 $2.36

Oranges (1kg)

$5.45 $5.45

$1.56 $1.56

$12.85 $12.85

Tomato (1kg)

$4.81 $4.81

$2.22 $2.22

$7.64 $7.64

Potato (1kg)

$2.51 $2.51

$1.43 $1.43

$3.62 $3.62

Onion (1kg)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.12 $1.12

$4.47 $4.47

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.05 $2.05

$1.82 $1.82

$2.33 $2.33

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.42 $1.42

$3.04 $3.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.24 $9.24

$7.48 $7.48

$11.97 $11.97

Wine (Bottle)

$10.84 $10.84

$9.86 $9.86

$15.77 $15.77

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.68 $1.68

$3.12 $3.12

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.38 $3.38

$2.03 $2.03

$7.1 $7.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.8 $1.8

$1.03 $1.03

$2.57 $2.57

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.84 $29.84

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.42 $3.42

$4.89 $4.89

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.91 $1.91

$2.22 $2.22

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.23 $42.23

$30.16 $30.16

$60.3 $60.3

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.72 $0.72

$1 $1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$23.6K $23.6K

$38.7K $38.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$22.3K $22.3K

$25.9K $25.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$209 $209

$118 $118

$398 $398

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.6 $50.6

$24.83 $24.83

$94.4 $94.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.7 $72.7

$50.9 $50.9

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$100 $100

$50.9 $50.9

$150 $150

Cinema Ticket

$12.58 $12.58

$8.88 $8.88

$24.66 $24.66

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$975 $975

$1,727 $1,727

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$63.6 $63.6

$25.47 $25.47

$76.4 $76.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.73 $48.73

$30.24 $30.24

$121 $121

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$99.7 $99.7

$73.8 $73.8

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$132 $132

$49.94 $49.94

$250 $250

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,123 $1,123

$1,006 $1,006

$1,207 $1,207

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$751 $751

$696 $696

$813 $813

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,809 $1,809

$1,526 $1,526

$2,339 $2,339

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,235 $1,235

$1,013 $1,013

$2,026 $2,026

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,584 $1,584

$1,554 $1,554

$1,620 $1,620

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,571 $1,571

$1,549 $1,549

$1,615 $1,615

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,642 $3,642

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.49

6.19

6.9

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many large metro areas, Cedar Rapids offers a balanced mix of lower housing costs, affordable groceries, and reasonable transportation, making it a comfortable base for longer stays. You'll find a range of housing options from compact apartments to shared living arrangements, often with shorter commutes and practical amenities nearby. The city supports a slower pace with parks, river trails, and cultural events that help keep essential expenses predictable. Cost of Living in Cedar Rapids, IA, United States reflects a value-friendly environment without sacrificing access to services. Tip: Start with a practical budget and explore neighborhoods by feel.

Daily life in Cedar Rapids blends practicality with a friendly pace. For housing, search around downtown, NewBo, or the Czech Village for walkability and proximity to shops, but also consider neighborhoods with easy access to the freeway if you rely on a car. Grocery stores range from large markets to specialty shops, with farmers markets offering seasonal produce. Transit is serviceable for city trips, and biking can work well in milder months; coworking spaces and quiet cafes support remote work. When budgeting, remember [location] living cost as a relative reference point. Tip: visit neighborhoods at different times of day to sense traffic, noise, and safety.

Quality of life in Cedar Rapids comes from a strong community, easy access to outdoor spaces along the Cedar River, and a walkable downtown. Use a simple budgeting framework: divide essentials (housing, utilities, food) from flexible spending (dining out, entertainment), and set a small cushion for seasonal costs. Winters are cool but manageable with layering; summers are pleasant for outdoor markets, festivals, and river activities. To pick a neighborhood, assess walkability, commute options, and the vibe – family-friendly, student-friendly, or nightlife-focused. Tip: take weekend strolls through several areas to gauge pace, noise, and safety.