City Comparison
Cedar Rapids vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cedar Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cedar Rapids
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
8% higher compared to Cedar Rapids.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cedar Rapids's average rent is
19% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,126 | $950 | +19% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,126 | $1,967 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 25% 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 $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,087 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 98,986 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $70,424 | $49,724 |
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x 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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,264 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | % |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.40% |
| 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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#149Ohio, USA
45.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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