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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Charleston is 97% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,632/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 43%
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 25%
$469,100 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 62%
$1,688/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 36%
152,014
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $22,179/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Charleston or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $22,179/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Iowa?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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