1New Mexico
Lowest21.0%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,359
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,767
- Net income (annual)
- $59,233
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
New Mexico vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $984 less state income tax a year in New Mexico than in South Carolina, which is about $82 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,824 in favor of New Mexico.
New Mexico: up to 5.9%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare New Mexico 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
New Mexico
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,314
Monthly take-home$4,936
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 Mexico vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| New Mexico | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 6 brackets | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 5.9% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 1.5% | 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.
| Income | NM state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NM take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $351 | $643 | $292 less in New Mexico | $25,934 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $753 | $1,243 | $490 less in New Mexico | $33,567 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $1,184 | $1,843 | $659 less in New Mexico | $41,171 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $1,654 | $2,443 | $789 less in New Mexico | $48,736 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $2,359 | $3,343 | $984 less in New Mexico | $59,233 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $3,569 | $4,843 | $1,274 less in New Mexico | $75,611 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $6,019 | $7,843 | $1,824 less in New Mexico | $107,772 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $11,158 | $13,843 | $2,685 less in New Mexico | $172,024 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | NM state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NM take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,429 | $2,842 | $1,412 less in New Mexico | $63,193 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $2,576 | $4,342 | $1,766 less in New Mexico | $82,134 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $4,961 | $7,342 | $2,381 less in New Mexico | $118,224 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $9,861 | $13,342 | $3,481 less in New Mexico | $187,607 | $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, New Mexico and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, New Mexico is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
New Mexico (single filers)
| 1.5% | Up to $5,500 |
| 3.2% | $5,501 to $16,500 |
| 4.3% | $16,501 to $33,500 |
| 4.7% | $33,501 to $66,500 |
| 4.9% | $66,501 to $210,000 |
| 5.9% | Over $210,000 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: New Mexico income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
New Mexico vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, New Mexico or South Carolina?+
New Mexico is lower at $75,000: $2,359 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $6,019 in New Mexico and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, New Mexico and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, New Mexico is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in New Mexico versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $75,611 a year in New Mexico would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,274 a year, or $106 a month.
How do the New Mexico and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
New Mexico uses progressive rates up to 5.9%; 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 Mexico 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 Mexico 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.