Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Charlotte is 54% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,504/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 30%
$78,438/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↓ 18%
$351,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 48%
$1,487/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 24%
886,283
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $14,472/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Charlotte or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Des Moines?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Des Moines?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $14,472/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Iowa?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charlotte details → View Des Moines details →

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