Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $870 in Iowa versus $1,430 in South Carolina. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $63,966 in Iowa and $90,038 in South Carolina — about 29% higher in South Carolina. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Iowa vs South Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or South Carolina?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 39% below South Carolina's $1,430, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in South Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Iowa versus $57,000 in South Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or South Carolina?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Iowa/South Carolina — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.