1South Carolina
Lowest22.3%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,343
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,750
- Net income (annual)
- $58,250
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Alabama vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $142 less state income tax a year in South Carolina than in Alabama, which is about $12 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $608 in favor of Alabama.
Alabama: up to 5%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Alabama and South Carolina for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2Alabama
22.5%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,485
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,893
- Net income (annual)
- $58,108
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
South Carolina
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,396
Monthly take-home$4,854
Alabama
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,408
Monthly take-home$4,842
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Alabama vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Alabama | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 3 brackets | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 5% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 2% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $3,000 standard deduction, $1,500 personal exemption | $8,350 standard deduction |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | AL state tax | SC state tax | Difference | AL take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,235 | $643 | $592 less in South Carolina | $25,050 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $1,735 | $1,243 | $492 less in South Carolina | $32,585 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $2,235 | $1,843 | $392 less in South Carolina | $40,120 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $2,735 | $2,443 | $292 less in South Carolina | $47,655 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $3,485 | $3,343 | $142 less in South Carolina | $58,108 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $4,735 | $4,843 | $108 less in Alabama | $74,445 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $7,235 | $7,843 | $608 less in Alabama | $106,556 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $12,235 | $13,843 | $1,608 less in Alabama | $170,947 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | AL state tax | SC state tax | Difference | AL take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $3,095 | $2,842 | $253 less in South Carolina | $61,528 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $4,345 | $4,342 | $3 less in South Carolina | $80,365 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $6,845 | $7,342 | $497 less in Alabama | $116,340 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $11,845 | $13,342 | $1,497 less in Alabama | $185,623 | $184,126 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, South Carolina is the lower-tax state up to roughly $90,000 of income, and Alabama becomes the lower-tax state above that.
Rates side by side
Alabama (single filers)
| 2% | Up to $500 |
| 4% | $501 to $3,000 |
| 5% | Over $3,000 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
- Alabama: Many Alabama cities and counties also levy occupational taxes that are not included here.
Full details for each state: Alabama income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Alabama vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Alabama or South Carolina?+
South Carolina is lower at $75,000: $3,343 of state income tax versus $3,485 in Alabama. At $150,000 it is $7,235 in Alabama and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, South Carolina is the lower-tax state up to roughly $90,000 of income, and Alabama becomes the lower-tax state above that.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Alabama versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $74,445 a year in Alabama would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $108 a year, or $9 a month.
How do the Alabama and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Alabama uses progressive rates up to 5%; South Carolina uses progressive rates up to 6%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Alabama vs South Carolina comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from Alabama to South Carolina to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.