Are you considering a move to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and help you understand whether $2666 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4095.0.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
16.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
55.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.25 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
6.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.6 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
1.56 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.3 $ |
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|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.85 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.71 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.09 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.33 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.27 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
14.26 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
9.46 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
7.9 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
6.04 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
3.68 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.2 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.1 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.82 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.5 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
40.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.75 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
-- |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.87 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
-- |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22000.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
100.0 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
67.5 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
51.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
-- |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
7.5 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
968.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
25.0 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
81.67 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
50.0 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1050.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
661.67 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2100.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1233.33 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
-- |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4095.0 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.7 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa come to a total of approximately $2666. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1050 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $133 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $922 per month.
Living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4095.0. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you would likely need an income exceeding $4095.0.
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4095.0, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Cedar Rapids, Iowa is approximately $1050. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $661.67 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $757 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Cedar Rapids has an average amount of crime, and one category that is far above average, but we know why. There's a low risk when visiting here, but I really encourage you to think of it as an "average" risk like you'd find in any city with 140,000 people.
There's a bus system called CR Transit. When the buses aren't running, there are plenty of taxi options or you can call rideshare. There are shuttles to and from the airport for those staying at an accommodating hotel. There's a low risk to your safety with any option, but again, that's an average risk.
The city averages about three pickpockets and purse snatching a year, which is a low risk of it happening to you. Don't let your guard down, however, because being particular about what you carry with you in a wallet or purse is still important.
This poor city has seen more than its fair share of tragedies. A flood in 2008 was nearly catastrophic for the city as a whole. Then there was a flood in 2016 that did a lot of damage too. The 2020 Derecho swept through, taking down power lines and many roofing materials and trees in the area. I encourage you to look at the videos recorded on YouTube. A Derecho is a long-running thunderstorm and this one carried winds equal to Category 4 hurricanes. Then there are winter storms that bring snow and ice. You should prepare for severe weather here because there's a medium risk all year long.
There were 66 robberies in 2021, which still comes in below the national average when you do the math to see crimes per 100,000 people. There is a one in 2,086 risks of it happening to you.
There's a low risk here as it's not a large population center, at least, not large enough to register on major terror groups' radar. You can still review the terrorism plan through the Linn County Department of Emergency Management, just to be safe.
Contractor scams were the biggest problem to deal with in the aftermath of the 2020 Derecho. There aren't any reported scams that are unique to Cedar Rapids or that directly impact tourists. You have a low risk here.
Women should feel safe here if they are following the basic safety protocols. There are some skyway bridges to avoid having to walk at night in the cold downtown. There were six sexual assaults reported in 2021, which is much lower than the national average for a city of this size.
Four years in a row now, Cedar Rapids has met all the required standards of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources when it comes to water quality. You should really only have to worry about water quality if another flood happens.
Only visitors from outside the United States will need a Visa and that process can take up to four months for processing. You will have to do an in-person interview. Once you have your Visa, you still have to make it through Customs. Be on your best behavior at the airport and don't make any jokes.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar (USD) here. You should be able to use a credit card or mobile payment app for all purchases, but you might want a little bit of cash just in case you find a cash-only vendor. Just be sure to avoid carrying large amounts of cash in public.
You'll do a lot of walking in Cedar Rapids, so bring sturdy shoes for any visit. You'll want to bring warm clothes, as temperatures here in the winter can be very cold. Snow is possible, but not guaranteed. Fall and spring will bring fluctuating temperatures, so dress in layers. A few extra t-shirts and sweatshirts will be helpful. Summer is going to be hot and humid. You'll do a lot of sweating here. There really isn't a way around that, but you do want bug spray and sunscreen.
Eastern Iowa Regional Airport has commercial flights and it's just nine miles from the city center. You should be able to get to several larger connecting airports by flying out of there. The Des Moines airport is about two hours east.
The weather here can be intimidating and unpredictable, despite the meteorologists' best efforts. You should have travel insurance to protect against weather delays in the sky or closures due to weather on the ground.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°F | 34°F | 47°F | 61°F | 72°F | 80°F | 84°F | 81°F | 74°F | 62°F | 47°F | 33°F |
| Temp | 21°F | 25°F | 37°F | 50°F | 61°F | 70°F | 74°F | 71°F | 63°F | 51°F | 38°F | 25°F |
| Low | 14°F | 18°F | 30°F | 41°F | 52°F | 61°F | 65°F | 62°F | 54°F | 42°F | 31°F | 19°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | -1°C | 1°C | 8°C | 16°C | 22°C | 26°C | 28°C | 27°C | 23°C | 16°C | 8°C | 0°C |
| Temp | -6°C | -3°C | 2°C | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C | 23°C | 21°C | 17°C | 10°C | 3°C | -3°C |
| Low | -10°C | -7°C | -1°C | 5°C | 11°C | 16°C | 18°C | 16°C | 12°C | 5°C | 0°C | -7°C |