Iowa vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$80,906
in South 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 | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 80.6 | -4% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 99.0 | -2% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 96.9 | -9% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 96.4 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 94.2 | +2% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 98.2 | -4% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 92.7 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $285,000 | $75,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,128/mo | $40 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.02 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $97/mo | $14 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $11,512/yr | $1,907 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → South Carolina
What a Iowa salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,615 | $-1,615 |
| $75,000 | $77,422 | $-2,422 |
| $100,000 | $103,229 | $-3,229 |
| $150,000 | $154,844 | $-4,844 |
| $200,000 | $206,459 | $-6,459 |
Positive = your money goes further in South 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
South Carolina is 3% more expensive than Iowa overall. South Carolina has an index of 92.7 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or South Carolina?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. South Carolina is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is Iowa cheaper than South Carolina?
Yes, Iowa is 3% cheaper than South Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is South Carolina more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, South Carolina is 3% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $103,229 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $75,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs South Carolina?
Utilities is 9% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 96.9). Dining & Misc is 4% lower in Iowa (index 94.5 vs 98.2). Transportation is 3% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 96.4).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.02 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). South Carolina is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Iowa moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.80% in 2025, down from a multi-bracket system. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.40% on income above $16,040. Use the Iowa vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Iowa and South Carolina?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. South Carolina requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- South Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.