Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from South Carolina to Florida
South Carolina has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 6.4% that kicks in at just $16,040 of income, making it effectively a near-flat high tax for most earners. Florida has zero state income tax. A $100,000 earner pays approximately $5,370 in South Carolina state income tax vs $0 in Florida. However, South Carolina offers generous retirement income exemptions—retirees 65+ can deduct up to $10,000 from any income source. This makes the SC vs FL comparison more nuanced for retirees than for working-age residents.
6 Progressive Brackets
Progressive income tax from 0% to 6.4% (top rate on income over $16,040)
No Income Tax
Constitutional prohibition on state income tax
At $100,000 income:
That is $448/month back in your pocket!
| Income | SC Tax | FL Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,528 | $0 | $2,528 | $25,280 |
| $75,000 | $4,128 | $0 | $4,128 | $41,280 |
| $100,000 | $5,370 | $0 | $5,370 | $53,700 |
| $150,000 | $8,570 | $0 | $8,570 | $85,700 |
| $250,000 | $14,970 | $0 | $14,970 | $149,700 |
| $80K retirement (age 65+) | $4,022 | $0 (retirees) | $4,022 | $40,220 (retirees) |
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Moving from South Carolina to Florida? 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 →At $100,000 income, you save $5,370 per year ($448/month) on state income tax moving to Florida. South Carolina's 6.4% top rate kicks in at just $16,040, making it effectively a high flat tax. Over 10 years, that's $53,700 saved. However, South Carolina has lower property taxes, so net savings are ~$4,000-5,000/year for most.
South Carolina exempts Social Security and offers a $10,000 deduction for retirees 65+ from any income source (pension, 401k, IRA). Military retirement is fully exempt. However, income above the $10K deduction is taxed at up to 6.4%. Florida taxes no retirement income regardless of age or amount.
South Carolina's 6.4% top rate applies to income over just $16,040. This means anyone earning roughly $30K+ pays close to 6% effective rate. It's effectively a near-flat high tax disguised as progressive brackets. The rate is being gradually reduced from the former 7%, but it's still significantly higher than Florida's 0%.
South Carolina has much lower property taxes—0.55% average (45th highest) vs Florida's 0.86%. On a $300,000 home: SC charges ~$1,650/year; FL charges ~$2,150/year after exemption. SC saves ~$500-1,000/year on property tax, but income tax savings in FL ($5,370+ at $100K) far exceed this.
Florida wins, but the gap is smaller for retirees 65+. SC exempts Social Security and offers a $10,000 retirement income deduction. A 65+ retiree with $80K income pays ~$2,500/year in SC vs $0 in FL. After property tax savings, SC retirees pay ~$1,700/year more than FL retirees—meaningful but not dramatic.
Both states face hurricane risk, but Florida's insurance is higher. SC coastal: $2,500-4,000/year; FL average: $4,000-6,000/year. Inland SC is much cheaper. For coastal residents, insurance costs are similar. Income tax remains the major differentiator.
Charleston offers historic charm, less crowding, lower property taxes, but 6.4% income tax. Tampa offers no income tax, larger job market, more amenities, but higher property taxes and insurance. For working-age residents, Tampa's tax savings exceed Charleston's property tax advantage. For retirees seeking quiet charm, Charleston may work with SC's retirement exemptions.
To establish Florida residency: (1) Spend 183+ days/year in Florida, (2) Get Florida driver's license, (3) Register vehicles in Florida, (4) Register to vote, (5) File Declaration of Domicile with county clerk, (6) Change address with banks, IRS. South Carolina may audit high earners claiming to have moved.
No, neither South Carolina nor Florida has state estate or inheritance tax. Both states are favorable for estate planning. The comparison is purely about income and property tax during your lifetime.
South Carolina offers Charleston's historic charm, Hilton Head golf, lower property taxes, and slower pace. Florida offers no income tax, larger job markets, more diverse cities, and year-round warm weather. SC summers are comparable to FL. Main trade-off: SC's 6.4% income tax vs FL's 0%, partially offset by SC's lower property taxes.