Side-by-side tax comparison between Oklahoma (4.5% top rate, graduated) 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.
Oklahoma uses a graduated income tax (0.25-4.5%) while South Carolina has a graduated system (0-3-6%). On a $100K salary, Oklahoma takes $2,925 in state and local taxes compared to South Carolina’s $3,900 \u2014 a difference of $975.
Both states use graduated brackets, but South Carolina’s top rate of 6% is higher than Oklahoma’s 4.5%.
Oklahoma wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,150 | $32,760 | −$390 | Oklahoma |
| $50K | $40,893 | $40,405 | −$488 | Oklahoma |
| $60K | $48,635 | $48,050 | −$585 | Oklahoma |
| $75K | $59,344 | $58,613 | −$731 | Oklahoma |
| $100K | $76,200 | $75,225 | −$975 | Oklahoma |
| $120K | $89,685 | $88,515 | −$1,170 | Oklahoma |
| $150K | $109,364 | $107,901 | −$1,463 | Oklahoma |
| $200K | $143,037 | $141,087 | −$1,950 | Oklahoma |
| $250K | $175,952 | $173,514 | −$2,438 | Oklahoma |
| $300K | $206,554 | $203,629 | −$2,925 | Oklahoma |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Oklahoma has a cost of living index of 87 while South Carolina is at 92 (national average = 100).
With similar costs of living (87 vs 92), the tax difference is the primary factor. What you see in raw take-home pay is essentially what you get in purchasing power: $87,586 in Oklahoma vs $81,766 in South Carolina.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,785 in Oklahoma and $80,810 in South Carolina \u2014 a difference of $975. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from South Carolina to Oklahoma would save $975/year on a $100K salary, or $4,875 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $975/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.