2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Madison, WI vs Cedar Rapids, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Cedar Rapids or is it cheaper to live in Madison?
- Cedar Rapids is 20.9% less expensive than Madison.

Which city has more affordable housing, Cedar Rapids or Madison?
- Cedar Rapids housing costs are 50.0% less expensive than Madison housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Madison or is Health Care more affordable in Cedar Rapids.
- Health related expenses are 10.1% more in Cedar Rapids.
 Madison, WICedar Rapids, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock81.8100
 Food & Groceries97.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.3100
 Housing112.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$184,900$338,100
 Utilities108  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.8100
 Miscellaneous133.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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Reviews for Cedar Rapids    39 Reviews

My biggest gripe is the winter weather and more specifically the wind. The wind does not stop blowing the entire winter. It starts around November when NW winds start  More

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Over 4 years ago

Such a horrible place. The racism is too much. You cant even take a walk to the park without hearing a racial insult thrown at you. You cant even go to the store  More

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I grew up here, moved away, came back to raise my family and have been back since 1993. I love this city!!! There is SOOO much to do. There are 3-4 community theatre  More

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