City Comparison
Cedar Rapids vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cedar Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cedar Rapids
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cedar Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cedar Rapids's average rent is
20% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,126 | $1,412 | -20% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $281 | -36% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $2,126 | $2,404 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 46% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cedar Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Cedar Rapids is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,087 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 98,986 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $70,424 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Cedar Rapids runs warmer on average — a 51.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Cedar Rapids comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Cedar Rapids sees 23.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Cedar Rapids has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Cedar Rapids.
From a growth perspective, Cedar Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cedar Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,264 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Cedar Rapids
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing being a major contributor.
Affordable housing market with a median home price well below the national average and a competitive market for sellers.
Strong and growing economy with significant private investments in data centers and manufacturing, creating job opportunities.
Low crime rates and a strong safety profile, with violent crime rates below the national average.
High quality of life with well-run city services, a focus on community, and national recognition for livability and affordability.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, as public transportation and walkability scores are moderate, making personal vehicles essential for most residents.
While growing, the job market may not offer the same high-paying specialized roles found in larger metropolitan areas, though specific high-paying sectors like healthcare exist.
The city's economy, while growing, is heavily influenced by manufacturing and agriculture, which can be subject to broader economic fluctuations.
Despite overall affordability, rent-to-income ratios can be a concern for some households, with a significant portion of income potentially allocated to housing.
The city has experienced natural disasters, such as the 2020 derecho, which, while demonstrating resilience, can impact infrastructure and community well-being.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Cedar Rapids
#29Iowa, USA
66.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,126
Avg Salary
$89,087
Cost Index
90
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
51.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Dallas
#62Texas, USA
61.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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