Iowa vs North Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$76,609
in North Carolina
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Iowa | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 94.0 | -17% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 99.0 | -2% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 94.7 | -7% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 92.2 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 110.2 | -13% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 101.4 | -7% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 97.9 | -8% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $325,000 | $115,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,316/mo | $228 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.29/gal | $0.10 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $103/mo | $20 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $11,720/yr | $2,115 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → North Carolina
What a Iowa salary buys you in North Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,510 | $-4,510 |
| $75,000 | $81,765 | $-6,765 |
| $100,000 | $109,020 | $-9,020 |
| $150,000 | $163,530 | $-13,530 |
| $200,000 | $218,040 | $-18,040 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
North Carolina is 8% more expensive than Iowa overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or North Carolina?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 8% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $325,000 in North Carolina.
Is Iowa cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, Iowa is 8% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, North Carolina is 8% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Carolina equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $109,020 in North Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 97.9).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and North Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $325,000 in North Carolina — a $115,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,316/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs North Carolina?
Housing is 17% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 94). Healthcare is 13% lower in Iowa (index 95.9 vs 110.2). Transportation is 8% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 92.2).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or North Carolina?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.29/gallon in North Carolina — a $0.10 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs North Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and North Carolina has 97.9 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 8% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and North Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Iowa vs North Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs North Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.