Cedar Rapids vs. Lome: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Cedar Rapids, located in the United States with a population of approximately 165,000, presents a profile of a developed mid-sized city. Its GDP per capita stands at $74,600, reflecting a developed economy with a population growth rate of 0.67%. In contrast, Lome, the capital of Togo, is a significantly larger city with a population of 1.5 million situated in a developing country. Lome's GDP per capita is much lower at $2,800, and it experiences a faster population growth rate of 2.41%, indicating a developing urban center.

Regarding quality of life metrics, Cedar Rapids generally scores higher. Its Safety Index (58.61) is comparable to Lome's (58.61), suggesting similar levels of perceived safety. Healthcare access in Cedar Rapids is better, indicated by a higher Health Care Index (60.00 vs. 55.56). Cedar Rapids also benefits from a much lower Pollution Index (12.00 vs. 75.34) and a significantly shorter average commute (12.00 minutes vs. 7.00 minutes). Lome's higher Pollution Index and longer commute negatively impact its quality of life score compared to Cedar Rapids.

Cost of living comparisons reveal stark differences. Cedar Rapids falls into the mid-range category for most major expenses, while Lome is substantially lower. Basic groceries, dining out, and transportation costs are significantly cheaper in Lome. For instance, a mid-range restaurant meal for two costs $32.07 in Lome versus $70.00 in Cedar Rapids. Similarly, the average monthly utility bill for an 85m² apartment is $153.37 in Lome compared to $250.00 in Cedar Rapids. However, Cedar Rapids offers a higher standard of living with better access to healthcare, education, and amenities typically associated with developed nations, whereas Lome's lower costs come with the trade-offs of developing country infrastructure and services.

Economically, Cedar Rapids demonstrates a much stronger position. With a GDP per capita nearly 26 times higher ($74,600 vs. $2,800), the city offers significantly higher earning potential. The average monthly net salary in Cedar Rapids is $3,000, compared to just $267 in Lome. While Lome has a slightly higher GDP growth rate (6.41% vs. 2.89%), the vastly different starting point suggests fundamentally different economic structures and opportunities. The property prices in Lome are also considerably lower, reflecting the city's lower overall economic base.