1Arizona
Lowest19.8%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $1,473
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $14,880
- Net income (annual)
- $60,120
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Arizona vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $1,870 less state income tax a year in Arizona than in South Carolina, which is about $156 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $4,495 in favor of Arizona.
Arizona: 2.5% flatSouth Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Arizona 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.
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
Advanced analysis (optional)
Choose which extra insights you would like to see.
💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Arizona
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,240
Monthly take-home$5,010
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.
Arizona vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Arizona | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 2.5% | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 2.5% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 2.5% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $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 | AZ state tax | SC state tax | Difference | AZ take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $348 | $643 | $295 less in Arizona | $25,938 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $598 | $1,243 | $645 less in Arizona | $33,723 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $848 | $1,843 | $995 less in Arizona | $41,508 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $1,098 | $2,443 | $1,345 less in Arizona | $49,293 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $1,473 | $3,343 | $1,870 less in Arizona | $60,120 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $2,098 | $4,843 | $2,745 less in Arizona | $77,083 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $3,348 | $7,843 | $4,495 less in Arizona | $110,444 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $5,848 | $13,843 | $7,995 less in Arizona | $177,335 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | AZ state tax | SC state tax | Difference | AZ take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,070 | $2,842 | $1,772 less in Arizona | $63,553 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $1,695 | $4,342 | $2,647 less in Arizona | $83,015 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $2,945 | $7,342 | $4,397 less in Arizona | $120,240 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $5,445 | $13,342 | $7,897 less in Arizona | $192,023 | $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, Arizona and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Arizona is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Arizona (single filers)
| 2.5% | Over $0 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: Arizona income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Arizona vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Arizona or South Carolina?+
Arizona is lower at $75,000: $1,473 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $3,348 in Arizona and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Arizona and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Arizona is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Arizona versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $77,083 a year in Arizona would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $2,745 a year, or $229 a month.
How do the Arizona and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Arizona uses a flat 2.5% rate; 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 Arizona 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 Arizona 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.
More state comparisons
- Arizona vs Texas
- Arizona vs California
- Arizona vs Florida
- Arizona vs New York
- South Carolina vs Texas
- California vs South Carolina
- Florida vs South Carolina
- New York vs South Carolina
- All state comparisons →
Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.