Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Des Moines is 11% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $66,750 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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