North Carolina vs. South Carolina
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $324 more a year in South Carolina. Prices are about the same, so after adjusting for cost of living South Carolina comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| North Carolina | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a flat income tax of 3.99% on taxable income. | Has a graduated income tax with 2 brackets, from 1.99% up to 5.21% on taxable income over $30,000 for single filers. |
| Minimum wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 94.3 | 93.7 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $4,684 | $4,530 |
| SUTA wage base | $34,200 | $14,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | North Carolina take-home | South Carolina take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,869 | $41,498 | $629 more in South Carolina |
| $75,000 | $59,109 | $59,433 | $324 more in South Carolina |
| $100,000 | $75,699 | $75,718 | $19 more in South Carolina |
| $150,000 | $108,315 | $107,724 | $591 more in North Carolina |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $59,109 in North Carolina buys what $62,664 buys in an average-priced state, and $59,433 in South Carolina buys what $63,395 does. To keep the same buying power moving from North Carolina to South Carolina, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $74,541 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is North Carolina or South Carolina better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $324 more a year in South Carolina. Adjusted for prices, South Carolina comes out ahead by $731.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, North Carolina or South Carolina?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $4,684 in North Carolina and $4,530 in South Carolina.