2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
West Des Moines, IA vs Cedar Rapids, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Cedar Rapids or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- Cedar Rapids is 5.5% less expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, Cedar Rapids or West Des Moines?
- Cedar Rapids housing costs are 38.5% less expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in Cedar Rapids.
- Health related expenses are 0.1% less in Cedar Rapids.
 West Des Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock81.8100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.3100
 Housing91.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$184,900$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.8100
 Miscellaneous112.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  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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