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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Missouri vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $755 less state income tax a year in Missouri than in South Carolina, which is about $63 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,730 in favor of Missouri.

Missouri: up to 4.7%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare Missouri 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.

1Missouri

Lowest

21.3%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,588
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$15,995
Net income (annual)
$59,005

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

Missouri

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,333
Monthly take-home$4,917

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.

Missouri vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ

MissouriSouth Carolina
Wage income taxProgressive, 7 bracketsProgressive, 2 brackets
Top rate4.7%6%
Lowest rate2%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.

IncomeMO state taxSC state taxDifferenceMO take-homeSC take-home
$30,000$473$643$170 less in Missouri$25,812$25,642
$40,000$943$1,243$300 less in Missouri$33,377$33,077
$50,000$1,413$1,843$430 less in Missouri$40,942$40,512
$60,000$1,883$2,443$560 less in Missouri$48,507$47,947
$75,000$2,588$3,343$755 less in Missouri$59,005$58,250
$100,000$3,763$4,843$1,080 less in Missouri$75,417$74,337
$150,000$6,113$7,843$1,730 less in Missouri$107,678$105,948
$250,000$10,813$13,843$3,030 less in Missouri$172,369$169,339

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

Married filing jointly

IncomeMO state taxSC state taxDifferenceMO take-homeSC take-home
$75,000$1,831$2,842$1,011 less in Missouri$62,792$61,781
$100,000$3,006$4,342$1,336 less in Missouri$81,704$80,368
$150,000$5,356$7,342$1,986 less in Missouri$117,829$115,843
$250,000$10,056$13,342$3,286 less in Missouri$187,412$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, Missouri and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Missouri is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

Missouri (single filers)

2%$1,349 to $2,696
2.5%$2,697 to $4,044
3%$4,045 to $5,392
3.5%$5,393 to $6,740
4%$6,741 to $8,088
4.5%$8,089 to $9,436
4.7%Over $9,436

South Carolina (single filers)

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

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

Missouri vs South Carolina FAQ

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

Missouri is lower at $75,000: $2,588 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $6,113 in Missouri and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, Missouri and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Missouri is the lower-tax state.

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

A single filer keeping $75,417 a year in Missouri would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,080 a year, or $90 a month.

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

Missouri uses progressive rates up to 4.7%; 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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.