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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A South Carolina VS COUNTRY B Ohio

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for South Carolina and Ohio in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated June 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
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OVERVIEW
Ohio's 2026 tax reform makes it a significantly cheaper income tax state than South Carolina at most income levels. On $100,000 income, South Carolina residents pay approximately $4,050 in state income tax (effective rate ~4.05%) versus Ohio's $2,024 — Ohio saves $2,026/year. However, South Carolina has dramatically lower property taxes: 0.57% effective rate versus Ohio's 1.59%, saving $4,080/year on a $400,000 home. For homeowners, South Carolina actually comes out ahead on total taxes. For renters, Ohio is the clear winner. Both states have beach/lake recreation access and growing economies.
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.

🌴
COUNTRY A
South Carolina
TAX RATE
0-5%
Progressive
0% up to $18,050, then 5% flat above that
🌰
COUNTRY B
Ohio
TAX RATE
0-2.75%
Low Flat (2026)
0% up to $26,050, then 2.75% (2026 reform)
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Ohio → South Carolina at $100,000
$2,026
That's $169/month back in your pocket
Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.
GROSS INCOME
🌴 SC TAX
🌰 OH TAX
SAVINGS
10-YEAR
$50,000
$1,598
$659
$939 (OH saves)
$9,390
$75,000
$2,848
$1,346
$1,502 (OH saves)
$15,020
$100,000
$4,050
$2,024
$2,026 (OH saves)
$20,260
$200,000
$9,050
$4,799
$4,251 (OH saves)
$42,510
$500,000
$24,050
$13,049
$11,001 (OH saves)
$110,010
💡

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🌴

South Carolina Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Very low property tax: 0.57% effective rate vs OH 1.59% — saves $4,080/year on a $400K home
  • No local income taxes: SC cities don't levy local income taxes (unlike most Ohio cities)
  • Beach access: Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston — premier Atlantic coastline
  • Warm climate: Year-round warmth, no polar vortex events
  • Lower overall cost of living: SC is 10-15% cheaper than Ohio outside of Charleston/Hilton Head
− CONS
  • Higher income tax: Max 5% (effective ~4.05% at $100K) vs OH 2.75% — costs $2,026 more/year
  • 5% rate on income above ~$10,380: Relatively quick progression to max rate
  • Hurricane risk: Coastal areas face significant storm exposure
  • Higher sales tax: SC 7.43% vs OH 7.24% — slightly higher overall
  • Smaller job market: Limited Fortune 500 presence vs Ohio's multiple major metros
🌰

Ohio Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Lower income tax post-2026 reform: 2.75% saves $2,026/year vs SC on $100K
  • Multiple major metros: Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati offer diverse opportunities
  • Great Lakes access: Lake Erie recreation in northern Ohio
  • Intel investment: $20B semiconductor campus near Columbus driving job growth
  • More affordable home prices: Columbus $300K, Cleveland $200K vs Charleston $450K+
− CONS
  • Very high property tax: 1.59% vs SC 0.57% — $4,080 more/year on a $400K home
  • Municipal income taxes: Columbus 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, Akron 2.5% on top of state tax
  • Harsh winters: Cold, lake-effect snow, grey skies in northern Ohio
  • No beach access: Great Lakes are wonderful but not ocean beaches
  • Slower population growth than Charleston/Myrtle Beach SC metros
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

South Carolina or Ohio: which has lower total tax burden?

It depends critically on homeownership. For renters at $100K income: Ohio saves $2,026/year in income tax — Ohio clearly wins. For homeowners with a $400K home at $100K income: SC saves $4,080/year in property tax, while Ohio saves $2,026 in income tax — South Carolina wins total by $2,054/year. Critical note: Ohio city residents face municipal income taxes (Columbus 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%) that push Ohio's total higher. A Columbus homeowner with $100K income pays SC an even bigger advantage. For suburban Ohio residents with no local tax and modest homes, Ohio remains competitive.

Why is South Carolina's property tax so low?

South Carolina has unusually low property taxes because of its assessment ratio system. Owner-occupied primary residences are assessed at just 4% of fair market value (compared to 6% for non-primary or 10.5% for commercial property). Multiplied by millage rates, this produces very low effective rates — approximately 0.57% statewide. South Carolina also caps assessment increases at 15% over 5 years for primary residences. This makes SC one of the lowest property tax states in the country, significantly below Ohio's 1.59% effective rate.

Columbus vs Columbia SC: which city is better for career growth?

Columbus, Ohio has a larger and more diversified economy with Ohio State University, Intel's massive semiconductor investment, Amazon, JPMorgan, and a growing tech sector. Columbia, SC has state government, the University of South Carolina, and a growing healthcare and defense sector. Columbus offers more career opportunities across more industries. Columbia has lower housing costs ($250K median vs $300K Columbus) and far lower property taxes. For career-focused professionals under 40, Columbus is generally the better choice; Columbia is better for those prioritizing housing affordability and warm-weather lifestyle.

Charleston vs Cleveland: coastal luxury vs Great Lakes value?

Charleston, SC has become one of America's most expensive small cities ($450-500K+ median home) with world-class food, beaches, and historic charm. Cleveland, Ohio offers very affordable housing ($200K median), Great Lakes access, a revitalized downtown, and Ohio's low 2026 income tax. On taxes: Cleveland residents pay 2.0% city + 2.75% state = 4.75% combined income tax above $26,050; Charleston residents pay up to 5% state, no city tax. Cleveland edges Charleston on income tax slightly; Charleston wins on property tax (0.57% vs ~1.6% in Cuyahoga County).

Is South Carolina good for retirement compared to Ohio?

Both states are competitive for retirees. South Carolina: fully exempts Social Security; $15,000 retirement income deduction for 65+; warm climate; beach access; very low property taxes (0.57%). Ohio: fully exempts Social Security; 2.75% tax on other retirement income above $26,050; Great Lakes access; lower income tax post-reform. For a retiree with $70K income (SS + withdrawals) in a $400K home: SC might pay ~$1,500 in income tax vs Ohio ~$900 — Ohio slightly better on income. But SC saves $4,080 in property tax. Net: SC saves $2,580/year for a property-owning retiree.
From the brief
CY0%dividends, 60-day rule
PT20%flat rate, tech workers
GB39%non-dom regime gone
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