1Georgia
Lowest22.2%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,270
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,677
- Net income (annual)
- $58,323
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Georgia vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $73 less state income tax a year in Georgia than in South Carolina, which is about $6 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $681 in favor of Georgia.
Georgia: 5.19% flatSouth Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Georgia 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)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Georgia
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,390
Monthly take-home$4,860
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.
Georgia vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Georgia | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 5.19% | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 5.19% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 5.19% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $12,000 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 | GA state tax | SC state tax | Difference | GA take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $934 | $643 | $291 less in South Carolina | $25,351 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $1,453 | $1,243 | $210 less in South Carolina | $32,867 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $1,972 | $1,843 | $129 less in South Carolina | $40,383 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $2,491 | $2,443 | $48 less in South Carolina | $47,899 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $3,270 | $3,343 | $73 less in Georgia | $58,323 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $4,567 | $4,843 | $276 less in Georgia | $74,613 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $7,162 | $7,843 | $681 less in Georgia | $106,629 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $12,352 | $13,843 | $1,491 less in Georgia | $170,830 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | GA state tax | SC state tax | Difference | GA take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,647 | $2,842 | $195 less in Georgia | $61,976 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $3,944 | $4,342 | $397 less in Georgia | $80,766 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $6,539 | $7,342 | $802 less in Georgia | $116,646 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $11,729 | $13,342 | $1,613 less in Georgia | $185,739 | $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, Georgia and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, South Carolina is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $67,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
Rates side by side
Georgia (single filers)
| 5.19% | Over $0 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: Georgia income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Georgia vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Georgia or South Carolina?+
Georgia is lower at $75,000: $3,270 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $7,162 in Georgia and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Georgia and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, South Carolina is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $67,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Georgia versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $74,613 a year in Georgia would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $276 a year, or $23 a month.
How do the Georgia and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Georgia uses a flat 5.19% 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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.