Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Des Moines is 45% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,054/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 55%
$63,966/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$183,700 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 155%
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 48%
212,464
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Charleston — common questions

Is Des Moines or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Charleston?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Charleston?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $26,072/year higher in Charleston.
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 Des Moines or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Des Moines details → View Charleston details →

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