Cost of living in South Carolina
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in South Carolina are 6.3% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 93.7 (U.S. = 100), making it the #19 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare South Carolina with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs South Carolina prices
- 3.5% pricier
- Take-home in South Carolina at $75,000
- $58,935$4,911 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $61,015$5,085 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +0.9%+$577 a year in South Carolina buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your South Carolina take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare South Carolina with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with South Carolina as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to South Carolina? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
South Carolina prices by category
| Category | South Carolina | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 93.7 | −6.3% |
| Goods | 96.3 | −3.7% |
| Housing (rent) | 80.5 | −19.5% |
| Utilities | 88.3 | −11.7% |
| Other services | 98.3 | −1.7% |
Low housing costs keep South Carolina affordable: rents run 20% below average. The overall price level rose 0.3% relative to the nation versus 2023 (93.5). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in South Carolina, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $8,644 | $41,356 | $44,113 | $53,334 |
| $75,000 | $16,065 | $58,935 | $62,865 | $80,001 |
| $100,000 | $25,064 | $74,936 | $79,933 | $106,668 |
At $75,000, South Carolina ranks #20 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: South Carolina paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in South Carolina equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to South Carolina. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in South Carolina once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | +0.6% | $75,462 | $75,286 |
| Georgia | +2.7% | $77,035 | $77,962 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −7.3% | $69,550 | $68,020 |
| Mississippi | −7.2% | $69,563 | $67,975 |
| Iowa | −6.4% | $70,210 | $68,655 |
| Oklahoma | −6.3% | $70,275 | $69,624 |
| California | +18.1% | $88,577 | $94,610 |
| Hawaii | +17.3% | $87,962 | $93,828 |
| Washington, DC | +17.2% | $87,922 | $92,780 |
| New Jersey | +16.1% | $87,045 | $90,577 |
| Texas | +3.5% | $77,646 | $74,179 |
| Florida | +10.3% | $82,732 | $79,860 |
| New York | +15.1% | $86,338 | $90,608 |
Moving from South Carolina to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is South Carolina expensive to live in?
South Carolina has a price level of 93.7 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 6.3% below the national average. It ranks #19 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in South Carolina?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $70,312 in South Carolina before taxes. After South Carolina taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,935 — worth $62,865 at U.S.-average prices, #20 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in South Carolina?
South Carolina's housing price level is 80.5, meaning rents are 19.5% below the national average. Goods are 96.3 and utilities 88.3.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
North Carolina (price level 94.3, +0.6% vs South Carolina). A $75,000 South Carolina salary is equivalent to $75,286 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.