Average Rent in Cedar Rapids, IA↑ Rents rising 5.5% YoY🔺 13th priciest in IA

Cedar Rapids, IA has rental prices ranging from $681/month to $1,668/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $757/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $77,084/year, spending $757/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Cedar Rapids Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $993/month, Cedar Rapids ranks #13 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 63% of all US cities in our data.

The Cedar Rapids Rental Market

The Cedar Rapids, IA area has a population of about 275,960 and 25% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Cedar Rapids, IA have risen by $52/month (5.5%) over the past year, from $941 to $993. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cedar Rapids, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,280. The local median household income of $77,084 exceeds that threshold by $46,804, making Cedar Rapids relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Cedar Rapids, IA is $213,061, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 17.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Cedar Rapids's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Wellington Heights ($131,641 median home value), Taylor ($138,820 median home value), Mound View ($148,302 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Cedar Rapids, IA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Cedar Rapids?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Cedar Rapids

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.