Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Cedar Rapids is 29% cheaper than North Charleston.

$925/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 47%
$67,859/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 7%
$177,100 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 51%
$1,084/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 21%
136,859
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $5,070/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Cedar Rapids slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and North Charleston?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or North Charleston?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $5,070/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and South Carolina?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cedar Rapids details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and North Charleston

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands