Idaho vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $164/yr more in South Carolina

$14/mo · $6/paycheck more

Idaho
South Carolina

$57,321/yr in Idaho vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Idaho

Take-home per paycheck

$2,204.66

$57,321/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,2716%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,32176%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

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 Idaho is 7% higher than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,321 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $61,402 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead by $3,916/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$285,000
Idaho
47% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,404/movs$1,128/mo
Idaho
24% more
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Idaho
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.21/gal
Idaho
6% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$84/movs$97/mo
Idaho
South Carolina
15% more
Healthcare
Index
Idaho
13% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,630/yrvs$11,512/yr
Idaho
South Carolina
20% 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

Idaho: Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. 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 Idaho take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,508 $39,848 -$341
$75,000 $57,321 $57,486 -$164
$100,000 $73,485 $73,473 + $12
$150,000 $105,249 $104,884 + $364
$200,000 $137,537 $136,820 + $717
$300,000 $198,092 $196,670 + $1,422

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Idaho or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Idaho results in $12 more annual take-home pay. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 5.70%. 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 Idaho vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $341/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $364/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,422/yr.

Do Idaho 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 Idaho or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Idaho is 5% higher than in South Carolina. Idaho's Regional Price Parity is 95.9 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Idaho?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Idaho (index 91.3 vs 95.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Idaho more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Idaho has a higher cost of living (index 95.9) 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 $73,485 in Idaho has the purchasing power of $77,187 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $69,949 in Idaho terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Idaho comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 5% different between Idaho and South Carolina. Living costs are about 4% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Idaho gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Idaho 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

Idaho Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states