Minnesota vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $534/yr more in South Carolina

$44/mo · $21/paycheck more

Minnesota
South Carolina

$56,952/yr in Minnesota vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Minnesota

Take-home per paycheck

$2,190.46

$56,952/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,6406%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$56,95276%
Tax rates
Effective: 24.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 6.8%

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 Minnesota and South Carolina is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $56,952 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $57,505 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Minnesota comes out ahead by $19/yr.

Housing
Median home$330,000vs$285,000
Minnesota
16% more
South Carolina
Avg 2BR rent$1,128/movs$1,128/mo
Minnesota
South Carolina
Groceries
Index
Minnesota
2% more
South Carolina
Transportation
Regular gas$3.26/galvs$3.21/gal
Minnesota
2% more
South Carolina
Utilities
Electric bill$109/movs$97/mo
Minnesota
13% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Minnesota
9% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$22,569/yrvs$11,512/yr
Minnesota
96% 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

Minnesota: Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%.

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 Minnesota take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,415 $39,848 -$434
$75,000 $56,952 $57,486 -$534
$100,000 $72,840 $73,473 -$634
$150,000 $103,568 $104,884 -$1,316
$200,000 $134,446 $136,820 -$2,374
$300,000 $190,846 $196,670 -$5,824

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Minnesota or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, South Carolina results in $634 more annual take-home pay. Minnesota uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 5.35% to 9.85%. 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 South Carolina vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $434/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,316/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,824/yr.

Do Minnesota 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 Minnesota or South Carolina?

South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Minnesota is 8% higher than in South Carolina. Minnesota's Regional Price Parity is 98.2 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is South Carolina cheaper than Minnesota?

Yes. South Carolina has a lower cost of living than Minnesota (index 91.3 vs 98.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Minnesota more expensive than South Carolina?

Yes. Minnesota has a higher cost of living (index 98.2) 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 $72,840 in Minnesota has the purchasing power of $78,344 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $68,310 in Minnesota terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Minnesota comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 7% different between Minnesota and South Carolina. Living costs are about 2% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Minnesota gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Minnesota 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

Minnesota Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states