Arizona vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $2,232/yr more in Arizona

$186/mo · $86/paycheck more

Arizona
South Carolina

$59,718/yr in Arizona vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Arizona

Take-home per paycheck

$2,296.83

$59,718/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,8753%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,71880%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

South Carolina

Take-home per paycheck

$2,210.98

$57,486/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,1075%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,48677%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.4%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Arizona is 19% higher than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,718 in Arizona has the purchasing power of $71,055 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Arizona comes out ahead by $13,569/yr.

Housing
Median home$395,000vs$285,000
Arizona
39% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,782/movs$1,128/mo
Arizona
58% more
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Arizona
3% more
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.97/galvs$3.21/gal
Arizona
24% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$113/movs$97/mo
Arizona
17% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Arizona
South Carolina
1% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$15,625/yrvs$11,512/yr
Arizona
36% more
South Carolina

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Arizona: Arizona has a flat state income tax of 2.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

South Carolina: South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 6.40%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Arizona take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $41,105 $39,848 + $1,257
$75,000 $59,718 $57,486 + $2,232
$100,000 $76,680 $73,473 + $3,207
$150,000 $110,041 $104,884 + $5,157
$200,000 $143,927 $136,820 + $7,107
$300,000 $207,677 $196,670 + $11,007

Positive values mean higher take-home in Arizona. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arizona or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Arizona results in $3,207 more annual take-home pay. Arizona has a flat state income tax of 2.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. South Carolina uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 6.40%.

How much more do you take home in Arizona vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,257/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $5,157/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $11,007/yr.

Do Arizona and South Carolina have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arizona is 7% higher than in South Carolina. Arizona's Regional Price Parity is 97.5 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Arizona?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Arizona (index 91.3 vs 97.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Arizona more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Arizona has a higher cost of living (index 97.5) compared to South Carolina (index 91.3). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $76,680 in Arizona has the purchasing power of $81,887 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $68,801 in Arizona terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Arizona comes out ahead.

Arizona vs South Carolina cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 6% different between Arizona and South Carolina. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Arizona gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Arizona and South Carolina?

Arizona 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Arizona Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states