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

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Des Moines is 23% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 29%
$63,966/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 2%
$183,700 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 46%
$1,137/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 15%
212,464
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $1,177/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Des Moines or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and North Charleston?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or North Charleston?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,177/year higher in Des Moines.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View North Charleston details →

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