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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Connecticut vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $793 less state income tax a year in Connecticut than in South Carolina, which is about $66 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $993 in favor of Connecticut.

Connecticut: up to 6.99%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Connecticut 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.

1Connecticut

Lowest

21.3%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,550
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$15,958
Net income (annual)
$59,043

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

Connecticut

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,330
Monthly take-home$4,920

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.

Connecticut vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ

ConnecticutSouth Carolina
Wage income taxProgressive, 7 bracketsProgressive, 2 brackets
Top rate6.99%6%
Lowest rate2%3%
Deductions and credits (single)$15,000 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.

IncomeCT state taxSC state taxDifferenceCT take-homeSC take-home
$30,000$425$643$218 less in Connecticut$25,860$25,642
$40,000$875$1,243$368 less in Connecticut$33,445$33,077
$50,000$1,325$1,843$518 less in Connecticut$41,030$40,512
$60,000$1,775$2,443$668 less in Connecticut$48,615$47,947
$75,000$2,550$3,343$793 less in Connecticut$59,043$58,250
$100,000$3,925$4,843$918 less in Connecticut$75,255$74,337
$150,000$6,850$7,843$993 less in Connecticut$106,941$105,948
$250,000$13,025$13,843$818 less in Connecticut$170,157$169,339

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

Married filing jointly

IncomeCT state taxSC state taxDifferenceCT take-homeSC take-home
$75,000$1,795$2,842$1,047 less in Connecticut$62,828$61,781
$100,000$2,920$4,342$1,422 less in Connecticut$81,790$80,368
$150,000$5,430$7,342$1,912 less in Connecticut$117,755$115,843
$250,000$11,060$13,342$2,282 less in Connecticut$186,408$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, Connecticut and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Connecticut is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $350,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

Rates side by side

Connecticut (single filers)

2%Up to $10,000
4.5%$10,001 to $50,000
5.5%$50,001 to $100,000
6%$100,001 to $200,000
6.5%$200,001 to $250,000
6.9%$250,001 to $500,000
6.99%Over $500,000

South Carolina (single filers)

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

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

Connecticut vs South Carolina FAQ

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

Connecticut is lower at $75,000: $2,550 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $6,850 in Connecticut and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Connecticut and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Connecticut is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $350,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

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

A single filer keeping $75,255 a year in Connecticut would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $918 a year, or $76 a month.

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

Connecticut uses progressive rates up to 6.99%; 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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.