Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Des Moines is 19% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $60,682 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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