Illinois vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $394/yr more in Illinois
$33/mo · $15/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
South Carolina
Take-home per paycheck
$2,210.98
$57,486/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 2% higher than in South Carolina.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $59,316 in South Carolina terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Illinois comes out ahead by $1,830/yr.
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
Illinois: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. 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 | Illinois take-home | South Carolina take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $39,848 | + $32 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $57,486 | + $394 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $73,473 | + $757 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $104,884 | + $1,482 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $136,820 | + $2,207 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $196,670 | + $3,657 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or South Carolina?
At a $100,000 salary, Illinois results in $757 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. 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 Illinois vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $32/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,482/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,657/yr.
Do Illinois 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 Illinois or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 6% higher than in South Carolina. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).
Is South Carolina cheaper than Illinois?
Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Illinois (index 91.3 vs 97.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Illinois more expensive than South Carolina?
Yes. Illinois has a higher cost of living (index 97.1) 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 $74,230 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $78,946 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $69,084 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Illinois comes out ahead.
Illinois vs South Carolina cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 6% different between Illinois and South Carolina. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Illinois gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Illinois vs South Carolina Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Illinois?
- How much house can you afford in South Carolina?
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states