City Comparison
Cedar Rapids vs Mason City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mason City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Cedar Rapids
Mason City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mason City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Cedar Rapids.
Housing costs are a major driver: Cedar Rapids's average rent is
32% higher than Mason City's.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Mason City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,126 | $850 | +32% |
| Groceries | $450 | $350 | +29% |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 | +13% |
| Transport | $120 | $100 | +20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $210 | +19% |
| Monthly Total | $2,126 | $1,670 | +27% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 82 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 68% 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 $42,000 in Mason City.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Mason City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,087 | $53,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 98,986 idx | 64,634 idx |
| Household Income | $70,424 | $54,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.7°F of each other.
For sunshine, Cedar Rapids comes out ahead with 14 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mason City sees 7.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Mason City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.20°F | 48.50°F |
| Summer High | 82.30°F | 78.90°F |
| Winter Low | 14.50°F | 11.30°F |
| Rainfall | 36.00 in | 40.10 in |
| Snowfall | 23.80 in | 31.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | 252 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Mason City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 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 | Cedar Rapids | Mason City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 15 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cedar Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 5x the population of Mason City.
From a growth perspective, Cedar Rapids is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Mason City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Cedar Rapids | Mason City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,264 | 27,338 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 42.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
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.
Mason City
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Home to world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, including the Historic Park Inn Hotel.
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center provides top-tier regional healthcare access directly within the city.
Short average commute times and minimal traffic congestion enhance daily convenience.
Strong local cultural institutions like the MacNider Art Museum and active community arts programming.
Drawbacks
Winters feature low temperatures averaging 11.3°F with notable snowfall, requiring cold-weather preparedness.
Public transportation options are limited, creating a high reliance on personal automobiles.
Slower population growth compared to booming metropolitan centers in the US.
Limited high-paying tech or corporate headquarters sectors compared to larger state capitals.
Distance from major major metropolitan hubs like Minneapolis or Des Moines for specialized entertainment.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Mason City
#176Iowa, USA
64.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$53,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
48.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
74
Business
65
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