South Carolina vs New Jersey Taxes (2026)

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

TaxSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
State income tax (effective)6.40%6.37%
Long-term capital gains6.40%6.37%
Property tax (effective)0.57%2.46%
Combined sales tax7.50%6.63%
Retirement incomess-exemptpartial-exempt
Income systemprogressiveprogressive

Tax savings calculator

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Estimated 2026 burden

South Carolina total tax

$21,700

New Jersey total tax

$21,670

South Carolina state tax

$6,330

New Jersey state tax

$6,300

Difference

−$30

New Jersey saves you money

As % of income

0.02%

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 New Jersey could save about $30 per year on this profile — roughly 0.02% of gross income.

  • Property tax difference on a $400k home: $7,560/yr.
  • Sales tax difference on $50k of taxable spending: $435/yr.
  • Capital gains difference per $10k gain: $3.

Key differences

  • South Carolina: Top 6.2% bracket; $10k retirement-income deduction.
  • New Jersey: Top 10.75% bracket; corporate transit fee adds 2.5% over $10M.
  • Income system: South Carolina is progressive, New Jersey is progressive.
  • Retirement: South Carolinass exempt; New Jerseypartial exempt.

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Comparison FAQs

It depends on income mix. New Jersey has an effective income rate of 6.37% vs South Carolina's 6.40%. Property tax (0.57% vs 2.46%) and sales tax can swing the answer.

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