South Carolina vs District of Columbia Taxes (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between South Carolina and District of Columbia for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.

TaxSouth CarolinaDistrict of Columbia
State income tax (effective)6.40%6.75%
Long-term capital gains6.40%6.75%
Property tax (effective)0.57%0.56%
Combined sales tax7.50%6.00%
Retirement incomess-exemptpartial-exempt
Income systemprogressiveprogressive

Tax savings calculator

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Estimated 2026 burden

South Carolina total tax

$21,700

District of Columbia total tax

$22,046

South Carolina state tax

$6,330

District of Columbia state tax

$6,676

Difference

+$346

District of Columbia costs more

As % of income

0.29%

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.

Relocation analysis

Moving from South Carolina to District of Columbia would cost an extra $346 per year on this profile.

  • Property tax difference on a $400k home: $40/yr.
  • Sales tax difference on $50k of taxable spending: $750/yr.
  • Capital gains difference per $10k gain: $35.

Key differences

  • South Carolina: Top 6.2% bracket; $10k retirement-income deduction.
  • District of Columbia: Top 10.75% bracket; 8.25% franchise tax on businesses.
  • Income system: South Carolina is progressive, District of Columbia is progressive.
  • Retirement: South Carolinass exempt; District of Columbiapartial exempt.

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Comparison FAQs

It depends on income mix. District of Columbia has an effective income rate of 6.75% vs South Carolina's 6.40%. Property tax (0.57% vs 0.56%) and sales tax can swing the answer.

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