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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Alaska vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $3,343 less state income tax a year in Alaska than in South Carolina, which is about $279 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $7,843 in favor of Alaska.

Alaska: no state taxSouth Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Alaska 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.

1Alaska

Lowest

17.9%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$0
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$13,408
Net income (annual)
$61,593

2South Carolina

22.3%

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

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

Alaska

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133

South Carolina

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,396
Monthly take-home$4,854

Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.

Alaska vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ

AlaskaSouth Carolina
Wage income taxNo tax on wagesProgressive, 2 brackets
Top rate0%6%
Lowest rate0%3%
Deductions and credits (single)Not applicable$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.

IncomeAK state taxSC state taxDifferenceAK take-homeSC take-home
$30,000$0$643$643 less in Alaska$26,285$25,642
$40,000$0$1,243$1,243 less in Alaska$34,320$33,077
$50,000$0$1,843$1,843 less in Alaska$42,355$40,512
$60,000$0$2,443$2,443 less in Alaska$50,390$47,947
$75,000$0$3,343$3,343 less in Alaska$61,593$58,250
$100,000$0$4,843$4,843 less in Alaska$79,180$74,337
$150,000$0$7,843$7,843 less in Alaska$113,791$105,948
$250,000$0$13,843$13,843 less in Alaska$183,182$169,339

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeAK state taxSC state taxDifferenceAK take-homeSC take-home
$75,000$0$2,842$2,842 less in Alaska$64,623$61,781
$100,000$0$4,342$4,342 less in Alaska$84,710$80,368
$150,000$0$7,342$7,342 less in Alaska$123,185$115,843
$250,000$0$13,342$13,342 less in Alaska$197,468$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, Alaska and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Alaska is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

Alaska (single filers)

Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax at the state level. Residents may also receive an annual Permanent Fund Dividend, which is taxable on the federal return.

South Carolina (single filers)

3%$3,641 to $18,230
6%Over $18,230

Full details for each state: Alaska income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

Alaska vs South Carolina FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Alaska or South Carolina?+

Alaska is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $0 in Alaska and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Alaska and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Alaska is the lower-tax state.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Alaska versus South Carolina?+

A single filer keeping $79,180 a year in Alaska would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $4,843 a year, or $404 a month.

How do the Alaska and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+

Alaska has no tax on wages; 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 Alaska 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 Alaska 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

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.