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.
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 $3,900 in state and local taxes compared to Virginia’s $3,738 \u2014 a difference of $163.
Both states use graduated brackets, but South Carolina’s top rate of 6% is higher than Virginia’s 5.75%.
Virginia 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 | $32,760 | $32,825 | +$65 | Virginia |
| $50K | $40,405 | $40,486 | +$81 | Virginia |
| $60K | $48,050 | $48,148 | +$98 | Virginia |
| $75K | $58,613 | $58,734 | +$122 | Virginia |
| $100K | $75,225 | $75,388 | +$163 | Virginia |
| $120K | $88,515 | $88,710 | +$195 | Virginia |
| $150K | $107,901 | $108,145 | +$244 | Virginia |
| $200K | $141,087 | $141,412 | +$325 | Virginia |
| $250K | $173,514 | $173,920 | +$406 | Virginia |
| $300K | $203,629 | $204,116 | +$488 | Virginia |
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 $81,766 in South Carolina vs $73,192 in Virginia. However, South Carolina actually provides better purchasing power despite Virginia’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,810 in South Carolina and $80,973 in Virginia \u2014 a difference of $163. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from South Carolina to Virginia would save $163/year on a $100K salary, or $813 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $163/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.