Connecticut vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $732/yr more in Connecticut

$61/mo · $28/paycheck more

Connecticut
South Carolina

$58,218/yr in Connecticut vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Connecticut

Take-home per paycheck

$2,239.13

$58,218/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,3755%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,21878%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.5%

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 Connecticut is 23% higher than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,218 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $71,594 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead by $14,108/yr.

Housing
Median home$405,000vs$285,000
Connecticut
42% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,712/movs$1,128/mo
Connecticut
52% more
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Connecticut
5% more
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.45/galvs$3.21/gal
Connecticut
7% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$216/movs$97/mo
Connecticut
124% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Connecticut
18% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$20,254/yrvs$11,512/yr
Connecticut
76% 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

Connecticut: Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%.

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 Connecticut take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,355 $39,848 + $507
$75,000 $58,218 $57,486 + $732
$100,000 $74,430 $73,473 + $957
$150,000 $106,041 $104,884 + $1,157
$200,000 $138,177 $136,820 + $1,357
$300,000 $197,727 $196,670 + $1,057

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Connecticut or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Connecticut results in $957 more annual take-home pay. Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%. 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 Connecticut vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $507/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,157/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,057/yr.

Do Connecticut 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 Connecticut or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Connecticut is 20% higher than in South Carolina. Connecticut's Regional Price Parity is 109.4 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Connecticut?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Connecticut (index 91.3 vs 109.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Connecticut more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Connecticut has a higher cost of living (index 109.4) 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 $74,430 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $89,186 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $61,317 in Connecticut terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 18% different between Connecticut and South Carolina. Living costs are 9% above the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Connecticut gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Connecticut 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

Connecticut Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states