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
Maine vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $538 less state income tax a year in South Carolina than in Maine, which is about $45 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,386 in favor of South Carolina.
Maine: up to 7.15%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare Maine 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.
2Maine
23.1%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,881
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $17,288
- Net income (annual)
- $57,712
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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
Maine
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,441
Monthly take-home$4,809
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Maine vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Maine | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 3 brackets | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 7.15% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 5.8% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $8,350 standard deduction, $5,300 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 | ME state tax | SC state tax | Difference | ME take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $948 | $643 | $305 less in South Carolina | $25,337 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $1,528 | $1,243 | $285 less in South Carolina | $32,792 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $2,193 | $1,843 | $350 less in South Carolina | $40,162 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $2,868 | $2,443 | $425 less in South Carolina | $47,522 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $3,881 | $3,343 | $538 less in South Carolina | $57,712 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $5,654 | $4,843 | $811 less in South Carolina | $73,526 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $9,229 | $7,843 | $1,386 less in South Carolina | $104,562 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $16,379 | $13,843 | $2,536 less in South Carolina | $166,803 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | ME state tax | SC state tax | Difference | ME take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,767 | $2,842 | $75 less in Maine | $61,856 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $4,386 | $4,342 | $44 less in South Carolina | $80,324 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $7,761 | $7,342 | $419 less in South Carolina | $115,424 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $14,883 | $13,342 | $1,541 less in South Carolina | $182,585 | $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, Maine and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Maine is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $17,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
Rates side by side
Maine (single filers)
| 5.8% | Up to $27,399 |
| 6.75% | $27,400 to $64,849 |
| 7.15% | Over $64,849 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: Maine income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Maine vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Maine or South Carolina?+
South Carolina is lower at $75,000: $3,343 of state income tax versus $3,881 in Maine. At $150,000 it is $9,229 in Maine and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Maine and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Maine is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $17,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Maine versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $73,526 a year in Maine would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $811 a year, or $68 a month.
How do the Maine and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Maine uses progressive rates up to 7.15%; 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 Maine 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 Maine 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.