Georgia vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $289/yr more in Georgia

$24/mo · $11/paycheck more

Georgia
South Carolina

$57,775/yr in Georgia vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Georgia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,222.12

$57,775/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,8185%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,77577%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.1%

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 Georgia and South Carolina is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,775 in Georgia has the purchasing power of $57,463 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Carolina comes out ahead by $23/yr.

Housing
Median home$310,000vs$285,000
Georgia
9% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,116/movs$1,128/mo
Georgia
South Carolina
1% more
Groceries
Index
Georgia
South Carolina
1% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.32/galvs$3.21/gal
Georgia
3% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$101/movs$97/mo
Georgia
5% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Georgia
3% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$11,863/yrvs$11,512/yr
Georgia
3% 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

Georgia: Georgia has a flat state income tax of 5.09%. 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 Georgia take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,810 $39,848 -$38
$75,000 $57,775 $57,486 + $289
$100,000 $74,090 $73,473 + $617
$150,000 $106,156 $104,884 + $1,272
$200,000 $138,747 $136,820 + $1,927
$300,000 $199,907 $196,670 + $3,237

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Georgia or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Georgia results in $617 more annual take-home pay. Georgia has a flat state income tax of 5.09%. 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 Georgia vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $38/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,272/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,237/yr.

Do Georgia 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 Georgia or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Georgia is 1% higher than in South Carolina. Georgia's Regional Price Parity is 92.5 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Georgia?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Georgia (index 91.3 vs 92.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Georgia more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Georgia has a higher cost of living (index 92.5) 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 $74,090 in Georgia has the purchasing power of $75,064 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $72,520 in Georgia terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Georgia comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 1% different between Georgia and South Carolina. Living costs are 8% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Georgia gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Georgia Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states