Side-by-side tax comparison between Florida (no income tax) and South Carolina (6% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Florida has no state income tax, while South Carolina uses a graduated system with rates of 0-3-6%. On a $100K salary, this creates a state tax difference of $3,900/year that Florida residents simply don’t pay.
South Carolina’s graduated brackets mean the gap between these two states widens at higher salaries. At $200K, the state tax difference grows to $7,800/year, while at $50K it’s only $1,950.
Florida wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Florida | South Carolina | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $34,320 | $32,760 | −$1,560 | Florida |
| $50K | $42,355 | $40,405 | −$1,950 | Florida |
| $60K | $50,390 | $48,050 | −$2,340 | Florida |
| $75K | $61,538 | $58,613 | −$2,925 | Florida |
| $100K | $79,125 | $75,225 | −$3,900 | Florida |
| $120K | $93,195 | $88,515 | −$4,680 | Florida |
| $150K | $113,751 | $107,901 | −$5,850 | Florida |
| $200K | $148,887 | $141,087 | −$7,800 | Florida |
| $250K | $183,264 | $173,514 | −$9,750 | Florida |
| $300K | $215,329 | $203,629 | −$11,700 | Florida |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Florida has a cost of living index of 100 while South Carolina is at 92 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $79,125 in Florida vs $81,766 in South Carolina. However, South Carolina actually provides better purchasing power despite Florida’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $84,710 in Florida and $80,810 in South Carolina \u2014 a difference of $3,900. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from South Carolina to Florida would save $3,900/year on a $100K salary, or $19,500 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $3,900/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.