Florida vs South Carolina: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Florida vs South Carolina comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Coastal retirement competition — comparing FL's no-income-tax + hurricane insurance burden against SC's 7% top + lower coastal insurance costs.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Florida | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | None | 6.00% (progressive) |
| State sales tax | 6.00% | 6.00% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.86% | 0.56% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $14.00/hr | $7.25/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $410,000 | $320,000 |
| Foreclosure type | judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 100.4 | 94.3 |
| Median household income (2024) | $67,900 | $65,170 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,810/mo | $1,560/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Florida: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
- South Carolina: estimated state income tax ≈ $3,150, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Florida ≈ $$3,440/year; South Carolina ≈ $$2,240/year.
Why this comparison? Coastal retirement competition — comparing FL's no-income-tax + hurricane insurance burden against SC's 7% top + lower coastal insurance costs.
Drill into specific calculators
Florida
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Florida or South Carolina?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Florida has a cost-of-living index of 100.4 and South Carolina is 94.3 (US average = 100). Median household income: Florida $67,900, South Carolina $65,170. Median 2-bedroom rent: Florida $1,810/mo, South Carolina $1,560/mo. South Carolina is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Florida or South Carolina have lower income tax in 2026?
Florida has no state income tax; South Carolina has a top rate of 6.00%. Florida is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Florida vs South Carolina?
Florida's average effective property tax rate is 0.86% (e.g., $3,440/year on a $400,000 home). South Carolina's rate is 0.56% ($2,240/year on $400K). South Carolina has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Florida or South Carolina?
Florida's 2026 minimum wage is $14.00/hour; South Carolina's is $7.25/hour. Florida is higher.