Missouri vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $617/yr more in Missouri

$51/mo · $24/paycheck more

Missouri
South Carolina

$58,102/yr in Missouri vs $57,486/yr in South Carolina.

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,234.71

$58,102/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4905%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,10277%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.5%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 Missouri is 4% lower than in South Carolina.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,102 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $55,721 in South Carolina terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, South Carolina comes out ahead by $1,765/yr.

Housing
Median home$235,000vs$285,000
Missouri
South Carolina
21% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,085/movs$1,128/mo
Missouri
South Carolina
4% more
Groceries
Index
Missouri
South Carolina
3% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.03/galvs$3.21/gal
Missouri
South Carolina
6% more
Utilities
Electric bill$98/movs$97/mo
Missouri
1% more
South Carolina
Healthcare
Index
Missouri
6% more
South Carolina
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,173/yrvs$11,512/yr
Missouri
14% 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

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%.

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 Missouri take-home South Carolina take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,065 $39,848 + $217
$75,000 $58,102 $57,486 + $617
$100,000 $74,490 $73,473 + $1,017
$150,000 $106,701 $104,884 + $1,817
$200,000 $139,437 $136,820 + $2,617
$300,000 $200,887 $196,670 + $4,217

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Missouri or South Carolina?

At a $100,000 salary, Missouri results in $1,017 more annual take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%. 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 Missouri vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $217/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,817/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $4,217/yr.

Do Missouri 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 Missouri or South Carolina?

Missouri is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Missouri is 2% lower than in South Carolina. Missouri's Regional Price Parity is 89.8 and South Carolina's is 91.3 (US average = 100).

Is Missouri cheaper than South Carolina?

Yes. Missouri has a lower cost of living than South Carolina (index 89.8 vs 91.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is South Carolina more expensive than Missouri?

Yes. South Carolina has a higher cost of living (index 91.3) compared to Missouri (index 89.8). 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 $74,490 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $73,266 in South Carolina terms. Conversely, $73,473 in South Carolina equals $74,700 in Missouri terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, South Carolina comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 2% different between Missouri and South Carolina. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, South Carolina gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Missouri 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

Missouri Paycheck Estimator · South Carolina Paycheck Estimator · All states