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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $989/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 13.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$989
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$11.9K
Per year

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

Marshalltown, IA

Population:28K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$167K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:113
Median Home:$399K

Marshalltown, IA

The Hawkeye State

28K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 28K 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: Marshalltown, IA vs Charlotte, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 38.6%
Marshalltown, IA
$1,782
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$687
more
📦Other
↑ 11.6%
Marshalltown, IA
$1,530
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$177
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 11.5%
Marshalltown, IA
$887
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$102
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 13.2%
Marshalltown, IA
$459
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$60.55
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 4.0%
Marshalltown, IA
$665
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$26.88
less
🚗Transportation
↑ 1.6%
Marshalltown, IA
$1,184
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$18.44
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$575
To$1,630
↑ $1,055
1 Bed
From$591
To$1,710
↑ $1,119
2 Bed
From$777
To$1,870
↑ $1,093
3 Bed
From$1,028
To$2,300
↑ $1,272
Marshalltown, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$730/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.

$6,506
Monthly in Marshalltown, IA
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$1,018
Difference

Home Values

Marshalltown
Charlotte
$167K
Median Value
$399K
↑ +3.9%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +32.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
$167K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 138% more expensive than Marshalltown

Calculate payment - MarshalltownCalculate 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

Marshalltown, 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

Marshalltown, 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

Marshalltown
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

Similar cost to Charlotte, NC

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