Side-by-side tax comparison between Mississippi (4% top rate, flat) 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.
Mississippi uses a flat income tax (4% flat) while South Carolina has a graduated system (0-3-6%). On a $100K salary, Mississippi takes $4,000 in state and local taxes compared to South Carolina’s $3,900 \u2014 a difference of $100.
Because Mississippi has flat brackets while South Carolina is graduated, the gap between them changes at different income levels. Mississippi’s flat rate is predictable, while South Carolina’s graduated brackets may benefit lower earners but penalize higher incomes.
South Carolina wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Mississippi | South Carolina | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,720 | $32,760 | +$40 | South Carolina |
| $50K | $40,355 | $40,405 | +$50 | South Carolina |
| $60K | $47,990 | $48,050 | +$60 | South Carolina |
| $75K | $58,538 | $58,613 | +$75 | South Carolina |
| $100K | $75,125 | $75,225 | +$100 | South Carolina |
| $120K | $88,395 | $88,515 | +$120 | South Carolina |
| $150K | $107,751 | $107,901 | +$150 | South Carolina |
| $200K | $140,887 | $141,087 | +$200 | South Carolina |
| $250K | $173,264 | $173,514 | +$250 | South Carolina |
| $300K | $203,329 | $203,629 | +$300 | South Carolina |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Mississippi has a cost of living index of 83 while South Carolina is at 92 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $90,512 in Mississippi vs $81,766 in South Carolina. However, Mississippi actually provides better purchasing power despite South Carolina’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,710 in Mississippi and $80,810 in South Carolina \u2014 a difference of $100. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Mississippi to South Carolina would save $100/year on a $100K salary, or $500 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $100/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.