Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between North Carolina and South Carolina for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.
| Tax | North Carolina | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (effective) | 4.50% | 6.40% |
| Long-term capital gains | 4.50% | 6.40% |
| Property tax (effective) | 0.73% | 0.57% |
| Combined sales tax | 6.99% | 7.50% |
| Retirement income | fully-taxable | ss-exempt |
| Income system | flat | progressive |
North Carolina total tax
$19,821
South Carolina total tax
$21,700
North Carolina state tax
$4,451
South Carolina state tax
$6,330
Difference
+$1,879
South Carolina costs more
As % of income
1.57%
Federal tax is identical in both columns and excluded from the difference. Numbers use 2026 IRS brackets, state effective rates, and the 3.8% NIIT where applicable.
Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina would cost an extra $1,879 per year on this profile.
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