City Comparison
Cedar Rapids vs Eugene
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cedar Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cedar Rapids
Eugene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cedar Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Eugene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cedar Rapids's average rent is
37% lower than Eugene's.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Eugene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,126 | $1,800 | -37% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,126 | $2,290 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 64 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,087 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $70,424 | $66,562 |
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 | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 78.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Cedar Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cedar Rapids leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 21.80 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Eugene is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x 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 | Eugene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,264 | 178,675 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.03% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 35.2 |
| 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.
Eugene
Advantages
Eugene boasts a high livability score of 79 out of 100, ranking it among the top cities in Oregon and the USA.
The city offers an extensive array of local amenities, including diverse dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
Violent crime rates in Eugene are slightly below the national average, despite a higher overall crime rate driven by property offenses.
Residents enjoy shorter-than-average commute times, with an average of 20.2 minutes in 2024.
The quality of life in Eugene is highly rated by residents, with 82% reporting satisfaction in a 2025 survey.
Drawbacks
Eugene's overall crime rate is approximately 69% above the national rate, primarily due to property crimes.
The cost of living in Eugene is considered high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
Affordable housing choices are a top concern for residents, with many believing the city is heading in the wrong direction on this issue.
Positive views of Eugene as a place to work have declined, falling to 40.2% in 2025.
Nursing home costs in Eugene are among the highest in Oregon, with private rooms costing around $18,098 monthly in 2024-2025.
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
Eugene
#33Oregon, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
64
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.03%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
79
Business
0
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