Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Des Moines is 6% more affordable than Greenville. A $75,000 salary in Greenville is equivalent to $70,263 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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