City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Des Moines scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Cedar Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in West Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Des Moines's average rent is
29% higher than Cedar Rapids's.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Cedar Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,126 | +29% |
| Groceries | $410 | $450 | -9% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,126 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cedar Rapids offers 19% 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 West Des Moines is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Cedar Rapids.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $89,087 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 98,986 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $70,424 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Cedar Rapids sees 3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.60°F | 51.20°F |
| Summer High | 83.20°F | 82.30°F |
| Winter Low | 16.20°F | 14.50°F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | 36.00 in |
| Snowfall | 20.80 in | 23.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 274 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
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 | West Des Moines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cedar Rapids is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of West Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, West Des Moines is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, West Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Cedar Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 137,264 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 37.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Des Moines
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Iowa with crime rates well below the national average
Exceptional public school districts that routinely score near the top statewide for academic performance
Thriving economic hub with major employers like Wells Fargo and a low local unemployment rate
Abundant green spaces, including over 35 public parks and extensive multi-use trail networks
Vibrant retail and dining scene anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center and Historic Valley Junction
Drawbacks
Housing costs and property taxes have risen steadily due to high demand and rapid suburban expansion
High reliance on automobile transportation with limited public transit coverage outside main corridors
Winters can be harsh and prolonged with significant snowfall and freezing temperatures
Rental inventory for mid-priced apartments can be tight during peak moving seasons
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan core cities
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.
West Des Moines
#28Iowa, USA
72.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
274/yr
Avg Temp
52.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
84
Business
76
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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