Arkansas vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $930/yr more in Arkansas

$78/mo · $36/paycheck more

Arkansas
South Carolina

$58,416/yr in Arkansas vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Arkansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,246.76

$58,416/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,1774%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,41678%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.4%

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 Arkansas is 3% lower than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,416 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $56,777 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Carolina comes out ahead by $709/yr.

Housing
Median home$195,000vs$285,000
Arkansas
South Carolina
46% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,103/movs$1,128/mo
Arkansas
South Carolina
2% more
Groceries
Index
Arkansas
South Carolina
5% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.05/galvs$3.21/gal
Arkansas
South Carolina
5% more
Utilities
Electric bill$85/movs$97/mo
Arkansas
South Carolina
14% more
Healthcare
Index
Arkansas
South Carolina
8% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,873/yrvs$11,512/yr
Arkansas
South Carolina
30% more

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

Arkansas: Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%.

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 Arkansas take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,278 $39,848 + $430
$75,000 $58,416 $57,486 + $930
$100,000 $74,903 $73,473 + $1,430
$150,000 $107,314 $104,884 + $2,430
$200,000 $140,250 $136,820 + $3,430
$300,000 $202,100 $196,670 + $5,430

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arkansas or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Arkansas results in $1,430 more annual take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%. 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 Arkansas vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $430/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,430/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,430/yr.

Do Arkansas 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 Arkansas or South Carolina?

Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arkansas is 5% lower than in South Carolina. Arkansas's Regional Price Parity is 87 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is Arkansas cheaper than South Carolina?

Yes. Arkansas has a lower cost of living than South Carolina (index 87 vs 91.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is South Carolina more expensive than Arkansas?

Yes. South Carolina has a higher cost of living (index 91.3) compared to Arkansas (index 87). 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 $74,903 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $71,375 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $77,104 in Arkansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, South Carolina comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 4% different between Arkansas and South Carolina. Living costs are 13% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, South Carolina gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Arkansas 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

Arkansas Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states