City Comparison
Fort Dodge vs Cedar Rapids
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Cedar Rapids scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fort Dodge
Cedar Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fort Dodge is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Cedar Rapids.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fort Dodge's average rent is
25% lower than Cedar Rapids's.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Cedar Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,126 | -25% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,700 | $2,126 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 42% lower 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 Fort Dodge is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Cedar Rapids.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $89,087 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,415 idx | 98,986 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $70,424 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1°F of each other.
For sunshine, Cedar Rapids comes out ahead with 11 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fort Dodge sees 14 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.20°F | 51.20°F |
| Summer High | 80.70°F | 82.30°F |
| Winter Low | 12.80°F | 14.50°F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | 36.00 in |
| Snowfall | 37.80 in | 23.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fort Dodge has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Cedar Rapids.
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 | Fort Dodge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cedar Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Fort Dodge.
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 | Fort Dodge | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,869 | 137,264 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 37.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fort Dodge
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the US national average per Census Bureau data.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time on personal pursuits.
Strong regional healthcare presence anchored by UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities along the Des Moines River and local parks system.
Active local arts scene highlighted by the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.
Drawbacks
Cold winter climates with significant snowfall can pose challenges for daily travel and outdoor activities.
Limited public transportation options necessitate high car dependency for daily commuting and errands.
Slower population growth compared to larger metropolitan areas in Iowa like Des Moines.
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions within the immediate city limits.
Nightlife and entertainment options are more limited compared to larger urban centers.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Fort Dodge
#261Iowa, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
50.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
Cedar Rapids
#197Iowa, USA
63.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,126
Avg Salary
$89,087
Cost Index
90
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
51.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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