New Jersey vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,048
in New Jersey
$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 | New Jersey | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.9 | 80.6 | +76% |
| Groceries | 103.5 | 99.0 | +5% |
| Utilities | 102.2 | 96.9 | +5% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 96.4 | +6% |
| Healthcare | 110.8 | 94.2 | +18% |
| Dining & Misc | 104.5 | 98.2 | +6% |
| Overall | 115.3 | 92.7 | +24% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Jersey.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Jersey | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $500,000 | $285,000 | +$215,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,987/mo | $1,128/mo | +$859 |
| Gas price | $3.44/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.23 |
| Electric bill | $144/mo | $97/mo | +$48 |
| Infant childcare | $18,155/yr | $11,512/yr | +$6,643 |
Salary equivalent: New Jersey → South Carolina
What a New Jersey salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Jersey | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,199 | +$9,801 |
| $75,000 | $60,299 | +$14,701 |
| $100,000 | $80,399 | +$19,601 |
| $150,000 | $120,598 | +$29,402 |
| $200,000 | $160,798 | +$39,202 |
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
New Jersey is 24% more expensive than South Carolina overall. New Jersey has an index of 115.3 vs 92.7 for South Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. New Jersey is 24% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina cheaper than New Jersey?
Yes, South Carolina is 24% cheaper than New Jersey overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Jersey more expensive than South Carolina?
Yes, New Jersey is 24% more expensive than South Carolina 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 New Jersey?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Jersey, you would need approximately $80,399 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (115.3 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Carolina. Median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $215,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,987/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in New Jersey vs South Carolina?
Housing is 76% higher in New Jersey (index 141.9 vs 80.6). Healthcare is 18% higher in New Jersey (index 110.8 vs 94.2). Dining & Misc is 6% higher in New Jersey (index 104.5 vs 98.2).
Is gas cheaper in New Jersey or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.44/gallon in New Jersey and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.23 difference per gallon.
New Jersey vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
New Jersey has an overall cost-of-living index of 115.3 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). New Jersey is 24% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. New Jersey has a progressive income tax with 7 brackets, topping out at 10.75% on income over $1 million. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.40% on income above $16,040. Use the New Jersey 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 New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey 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
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Jersey — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- New Jersey Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- South Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Jersey Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- South Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Jersey 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.