Florida vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $4,107/yr more in Florida

$342/mo · $158/paycheck more

Florida
South Carolina

$61,593/yr in Florida vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Florida

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

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 Florida is 9% higher than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $61,593 in Florida has the purchasing power of $67,373 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Florida comes out ahead by $9,887/yr.

Housing
Median home$385,000vs$285,000
Florida
35% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,449/movs$1,128/mo
Florida
28% more
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Florida
5% more
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.63/galvs$3.21/gal
Florida
13% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$111/movs$97/mo
Florida
15% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Florida
South Carolina
2% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,021/yrvs$11,512/yr
Florida
13% 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

Florida: Florida has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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 Florida take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $42,355 $39,848 + $2,507
$75,000 $61,593 $57,486 + $4,107
$100,000 $79,180 $73,473 + $5,707
$150,000 $113,791 $104,884 + $8,907
$200,000 $148,927 $136,820 + $12,107
$300,000 $215,177 $196,670 + $18,507

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Florida or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Florida results in $5,707 more annual take-home pay. Florida has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. 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 Florida vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,507/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $8,907/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $18,507/yr.

Do Florida 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 Florida or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Florida is 11% higher than in South Carolina. Florida's Regional Price Parity is 101.3 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Florida?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Florida (index 91.3 vs 101.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Florida more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Florida has a higher cost of living (index 101.3) 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 $79,180 in Florida has the purchasing power of $87,853 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $66,220 in Florida terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Florida comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 10% different between Florida and South Carolina. Living costs are about 1% above the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Florida gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Florida Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states