1New Jersey
Lowest21.3%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,598
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,005
- Net income (annual)
- $58,995
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
New Jersey vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $745 less state income tax a year in New Jersey than in South Carolina, which is about $62 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $476 in favor of New Jersey.
New Jersey: up to 10.75%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare New Jersey 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
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
New Jersey
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,334
Monthly take-home$4,916
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.
New Jersey vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| New Jersey | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 7 brackets | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 10.75% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 1.4% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $1,000 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.
| Income | NJ state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NJ take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $438 | $643 | $205 less in New Jersey | $25,848 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $683 | $1,243 | $560 less in New Jersey | $33,638 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $1,215 | $1,843 | $628 less in New Jersey | $41,140 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $1,768 | $2,443 | $675 less in New Jersey | $48,622 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $2,598 | $3,343 | $745 less in New Jersey | $58,995 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $4,182 | $4,843 | $661 less in New Jersey | $74,998 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $7,367 | $7,843 | $476 less in New Jersey | $106,424 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $13,737 | $13,843 | $106 less in New Jersey | $169,445 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | NJ state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NJ take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,400 | $2,842 | $1,442 less in New Jersey | $63,223 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $2,640 | $4,342 | $1,701 less in New Jersey | $82,070 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $5,405 | $7,342 | $1,937 less in New Jersey | $117,780 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $11,759 | $13,342 | $1,583 less in New Jersey | $185,709 | $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, South Carolina is the lower-tax state up to roughly $22,500 of income, and New Jersey becomes the lower-tax state above that. The order flips again near $280,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
Rates side by side
New Jersey (single filers)
| 1.4% | Up to $20,000 |
| 1.75% | $20,001 to $35,000 |
| 3.5% | $35,001 to $40,000 |
| 5.53% | $40,001 to $75,000 |
| 6.37% | $75,001 to $500,000 |
| 8.97% | $500,001 to $1,000,000 |
| 10.75% | Over $1,000,000 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: New Jersey income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
New Jersey vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, New Jersey or South Carolina?+
New Jersey is lower at $75,000: $2,598 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $7,367 in New Jersey and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, South Carolina is the lower-tax state up to roughly $22,500 of income, and New Jersey becomes the lower-tax state above that. The order flips again near $280,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in New Jersey versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $74,998 a year in New Jersey would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $661 a year, or $55 a month.
How do the New Jersey and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
New Jersey uses progressive rates up to 10.75%; 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.