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 $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%.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
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 |
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 $81,766 in South Carolina vs $73,192 in Virginia. However, South Carolina actually provides better purchasing power despite Virginia’s take-home advantage.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $81,410 in South Carolina and $81,548 in Virginia \u2014 a difference of $138. The gap narrows under married filing, as the wider brackets reduce the tax bite in both states.
Should You Move from South Carolina to Virginia?
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.