Maryland vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $597/yr more in Maryland

$50/mo · $23/paycheck more

Maryland
South Carolina

$58,083/yr in Maryland vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Maryland

Take-home per paycheck

$2,233.94

$58,083/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,5105%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,08377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.8%

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 Maryland is 27% higher than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,083 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $73,559 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead by $16,073/yr.

Housing
Median home$420,000vs$285,000
Maryland
47% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,978/movs$1,128/mo
Maryland
75% more
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Maryland
6% more
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.50/galvs$3.21/gal
Maryland
9% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$133/movs$97/mo
Maryland
38% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Maryland
13% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$18,946/yrvs$11,512/yr
Maryland
65% 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

Maryland: Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

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 Maryland take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,033 $39,848 + $184
$75,000 $58,083 $57,486 + $597
$100,000 $74,483 $73,473 + $1,009
$150,000 $106,531 $104,884 + $1,647
$200,000 $138,917 $136,820 + $2,097
$300,000 $199,542 $196,670 + $2,872

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Maryland or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Maryland results in $1,009 more annual take-home pay. Maryland uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. 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 Maryland vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $184/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,647/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,872/yr.

Do Maryland 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 Maryland or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Maryland is 22% higher than in South Carolina. Maryland's Regional Price Parity is 111.5 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Maryland?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Maryland (index 91.3 vs 111.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Maryland more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Maryland has a higher cost of living (index 111.5) 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 $74,483 in Maryland has the purchasing power of $90,962 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $60,162 in Maryland terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Maryland comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 20% different between Maryland and South Carolina. Living costs are 12% above the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Maryland gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Maryland 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

Maryland Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states