Indiana vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $1,894/yr more in Indiana

$158/mo · $73/paycheck more

Indiana
South Carolina

$59,380/yr in Indiana vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Indiana

Take-home per paycheck

$2,283.85

$59,380/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,2133%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,38079%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.9%

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 Indiana is 2% lower than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,380 in Indiana has the purchasing power of $58,099 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Indiana comes out ahead by $613/yr.

Housing
Median home$230,000vs$285,000
Indiana
South Carolina
24% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,056/movs$1,128/mo
Indiana
South Carolina
7% more
Groceries
Index
Indiana
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.49/galvs$3.21/gal
Indiana
9% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$101/movs$97/mo
Indiana
4% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Indiana
2% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$14,471/yrvs$11,512/yr
Indiana
26% 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

Indiana: Indiana has a flat state income tax of 2.95%. 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 Indiana take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,880 $39,848 + $1,032
$75,000 $59,380 $57,486 + $1,894
$100,000 $76,230 $73,473 + $2,757
$150,000 $109,366 $104,884 + $4,482
$200,000 $143,027 $136,820 + $6,207
$300,000 $206,327 $196,670 + $9,657

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Indiana or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Indiana results in $2,757 more annual take-home pay. Indiana has a flat state income tax of 2.95%. 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 Indiana vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,032/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $4,482/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $9,657/yr.

Do Indiana 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 Indiana or South Carolina?

Indiana is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Indiana is 1% lower than in South Carolina. Indiana's Regional Price Parity is 90.6 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is Indiana cheaper than South Carolina?

Yes. Indiana has a lower cost of living than South Carolina (index 90.6 vs 91.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is South Carolina more expensive than Indiana?

Yes. South Carolina has a higher cost of living (index 91.3) compared to Indiana (index 90.6). 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 $76,230 in Indiana has the purchasing power of $75,646 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $74,041 in Indiana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Indiana comes out ahead.

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

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

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

Indiana 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

Indiana Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states