South Carolina vs Vermont Taxes (2026)

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

TaxSouth CarolinaVermont
State income tax (effective)6.40%6.60%
Long-term capital gains6.40%6.60%
Property tax (effective)0.57%1.90%
Combined sales tax7.50%6.35%
Retirement incomess-exemptpartial-exempt
Income systemprogressiveprogressive

Tax savings calculator

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Estimated 2026 burden

South Carolina total tax

$21,700

Vermont total tax

$21,897

South Carolina state tax

$6,330

Vermont state tax

$6,527

Difference

+$198

Vermont costs more

As % of income

0.16%

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 Vermont would cost an extra $198 per year on this profile.

  • Property tax difference on a $400k home: $5,320/yr.
  • Sales tax difference on $50k of taxable spending: $575/yr.
  • Capital gains difference per $10k gain: $20.

Key differences

  • South Carolina: Top 6.2% bracket; $10k retirement-income deduction.
  • Vermont: Top 8.75% bracket; SS partially exempt by AGI.
  • Income system: South Carolina is progressive, Vermont is progressive.
  • Retirement: South Carolinass exempt; Vermontpartial exempt.

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Comparison FAQs

It depends on income mix. Vermont has an effective income rate of 6.60% vs South Carolina's 6.40%. Property tax (0.57% vs 1.90%) and sales tax can swing the answer.

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