City vs city
Cedar Rapids, IA vs Columbia, SC
- Rent is 25% lower in Cedar Rapids (median $967/mo vs $1,204/mo in Columbia).
- Homes cost 41% less in Cedar Rapids ($187k vs $264k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $329 more a month after taxes and rent in Cedar Rapids.
- Schools rate higher in Cedar Rapids (4.9/10 vs 1.9/10).
- Cedar Rapids has less violent crime (2.7 vs 7.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Columbia has milder winters (47°F vs 20°F average).
| Cedar Rapids | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $967/mo | $1,204/mo |
| Median home value | $187k | $264k |
| Median household income | $70k | $56k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,979 | $3,650 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 4.9/10 | 1.9/10 |
| Violent crime | 25% below the US rate | 2.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 83°F | 93°F |
| Winter average | 20°F | 47°F |
| Sunny days a year | 212 | 222 |
| Walk score | 48 | 40 |
| Population | 137,264 | 139,643 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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