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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Ames, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $774/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Overall Cost
↑ 10.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$774
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$9.3K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Ames, IA

Population:66K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$264K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:110
Median Home:$399K

Ames, IA

The Hawkeye State

66K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 66K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Major banking center
  • •NASCAR headquarters
  • •Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Ames, IA vs Charlotte, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 35.1%
Ames, IA
$1,828
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$641
more
📦Other
↑ 8.8%
Ames, IA
$1,570
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$137
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 10.1%
Ames, IA
$899
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$90.47
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 11.8%
Ames, IA
$464
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$54.62
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 5.3%
Ames, IA
$674
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$35.48
less
🚗Transportation
↓ 1.0%
Ames, IA
$1,214
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$12.36
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$859
To$1,630
↑ $771
1 Bed
From$905
To$1,710
↑ $805
2 Bed
From$1,021
To$1,870
↑ $849
3 Bed
From$1,420
To$2,300
↑ $880
Ames, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,160/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,649
Monthly in Ames, IA
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$875
Difference

Home Values

Ames
Charlotte
$264K
Median Value
$399K
↑ +2.9%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +21.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
$258K - $269K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 51% more expensive than Ames

Calculate payment - AmesCalculate payment - Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $3.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$298
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.4%
Rate difference

Ames, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Ames, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Ames
Charlotte
45 Good
Air Quality
51 Moderate
67.5%
Good Air Days
46.2%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.9°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Ames, IA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $79.17/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $79.17/mo

Similar cost to Charlotte, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TXDenver, CONashville, TN

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