Cedar Rapids, Iowa
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.31 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.14 below the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $950, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Cedar Rapids's cost-of-living index of 80 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.31
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$950
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$11.25
Combo meal
Electricity
11.9¢/kWh
~$107/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$118/mo
$1,420/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.66 | $1.94 | $2.51 | $3.75 | $2.04 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.25 | $3.51 | $3.44 | $3.54 | $3.57 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.74 | $4.54 | $4.81 | $4.95 | $4.95 | +32.4% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.95 | $2.61 | $2.79 | $2.93 | $2.99 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.36 | $3.60 | $3.67 | $3.63 | $3.67 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.79 | $4.33 | $4.50 | $4.59 | $4.77 | +25.9% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.16 | $6.72 | $7.19 | $7.40 | $7.47 | +21.3% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.34 | $5.93 | $6.04 | $6.16 | $6.22 | +16.5% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.44 | $1.74 | $1.83 | $1.85 | $1.85 | +28.5% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.71 | $4.22 | $4.43 | $4.47 | $4.60 | +24.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.59 | $9.20 | $9.74 | $10.33 | $10.75 | +41.6% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.39 | $3.96 | $4.36 | $4.62 | $4.90 | +44.5% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.57 | $3.82 | $3.93 | $4.05 | $4.21 | +17.9% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.06 | $4.26 | $4.47 | $4.65 | $4.79 | +18.0% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.06 | $2.26 | $2.42 | $2.49 | $2.62 | +27.2% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.61 | $1.77 | $1.91 | $2.03 | $2.11 | +31.1% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $4.91 | $6.14 | $6.56 | $6.69 | $6.89 | +40.3% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.98 | $4.38 | $4.55 | $4.83 | $4.83 | +21.4% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.37 | $4.92 | $5.21 | $5.36 | $5.52 | +26.3% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.76 | $6.98 | $7.54 | $7.99 | $8.39 | +45.7% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$11.25
Casual Dining
$18.77
Monthly Spend
$330.08
+3.64% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.08
$9.80
+61.2%Wendy's
2022: $6.86
$10.58
+54.2%Chipotle
2022: $7.35
$10.98
+49.4%Starbucks
2022: $3.28
$4.56
+39.0%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Cedar Rapids?
Average 1BR: $741/mo · 2BR: $1,121/mo
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