South Carolina vs Virginia:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
Side-by-side tax comparison between South Carolina (6% top rate, graduated) and Virginia (5.75% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Tax Structure: South Carolina vs Virginia
South Carolina uses a graduated income tax (0-3-6%) while Virginia has a graduated system (2-5.75%). On a $100K salary, South Carolina takes $4,392 in state and local taxes compared to Virginia’s $5,004 \u2014 a difference of $611.
Both states use graduated brackets, but South Carolina’s top rate of 6% is higher than Virginia’s 5.75%.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
South Carolina wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | South Carolina | Virginia | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $33,528 | $32,766 | −$761 | South Carolina |
| $50K | $40,963 | $40,226 | −$736 | South Carolina |
| $60K | $48,398 | $47,686 | −$711 | South Carolina |
| $75K | $58,645 | $57,971 | −$674 | South Carolina |
| $100K | $74,733 | $74,121 | −$611 | South Carolina |
| $120K | $87,603 | $87,041 | −$561 | South Carolina |
| $150K | $106,359 | $105,872 | −$486 | South Carolina |
| $200K | $138,495 | $138,133 | −$361 | South Carolina |
| $250K | $169,872 | $169,635 | −$236 | South Carolina |
| $300K | $198,936 | $198,825 | −$111 | South Carolina |
Cost of Living: South Carolina (92) vs Virginia (103)
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. South Carolina has a cost of living index of 92 while Virginia is at 103 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $81,231 in South Carolina vs $71,962 in Virginia. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,284 in South Carolina and $80,195 in Virginia \u2014 a difference of $1,089. The gap widens under married filing, making the state choice even more impactful for married filers.
Should You Move from Virginia to South Carolina?
On paper, moving from Virginia to South Carolina would save $611/year on a $100K salary, or $3,057 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $611/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.