Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from North Carolina to South Carolina
The Carolinas offer a flat vs progressive comparison with NC's rate actively declining. North Carolina: 4.5% flat (dropping to 3.99% by 2027). South Carolina: 0-6.2% progressive across six brackets. At lower incomes, SC wins with 0% and 3% brackets. At $50,000: NC charges $2,250, SC charges ~$2,400. NC saves $150. At $100,000: NC charges $4,500, SC charges ~$5,400. NC saves $900. The crossover is around $35K—below that SC is cheaper, above NC wins. Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham (NC) have stronger job markets and tech scenes. Charleston and coastal SC offer lifestyle appeal. Choose NC if: you earn over $35K, want Research Triangle tech jobs, or prefer Charlotte finance hub. Choose SC if: you earn under $35K, prefer Charleston/Myrtle Beach lifestyle, are retired (SC has retirement income deductions), or value lower property taxes.
Flat Rate
4.5% flat rate (phasing down to 3.99% by 2027)
Progressive
0/3/4/5/6/6.2% six-bracket progressive
At $100,000 income:
That is $75/month back in your pocket!
| Income | NC Tax | SC Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,350 (4.5%) | $1,100 (3.7%) | SC saves $250 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $2,250 (4.5%) | $2,400 (4.8%) | NC saves $150 | $1,500 |
| $100,000 | $4,500 (4.5%) | $5,400 (5.4%) | NC saves $900 | $9,000 |
| $150,000 | $6,750 (4.5%) | $8,500 (5.7%) | NC saves $1,750 | $17,500 |
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Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina? Multi-state returns are tricky—partial-year residency, different deadlines, avoiding double taxation. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
Get Matched With a CPA →Around $35,000. Below that, SC's 0% and 3% brackets beat NC's flat 4.5%. Above $35K, NC's flat rate beats SC's progressive climb toward 6.2%. The gap widens as income increases—at $150K, NC saves $1,750/year.
South Carolina offers a $10,000 retirement income deduction, making it attractive for retirees with pension/401k income. NC has no special retirement deduction. However, NC's declining rate (reaching 3.99% by 2027) narrows the gap. SC also has lower property taxes. For most retirees, SC edges ahead.
NC wins significantly. Charlotte is a major finance hub (Bank of America, Wells Fargo). Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) is a tech and biotech center with major universities. SC has Charleston (growing tech scene) and manufacturing but fewer high-paying opportunities overall.
Very similar statewide. Charlotte and Charleston have comparable costs. Raleigh is slightly more expensive. Rural areas in both states are very affordable. SC coastal areas (Charleston, Hilton Head) can be expensive. Overall, within 5% of each other.
Both are among fastest growing states. NC added more total people (proximity to DC, Research Triangle boom). SC has strong percentage growth (Charleston tech scene, Greenville manufacturing). Both benefit from Northeastern and Midwest migration. NC's larger economy provides more diverse opportunities.