1North Carolina
Lowest21.2%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,484
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,891
- Net income (annual)
- $59,109
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
North Carolina vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $859 less state income tax a year in North Carolina than in South Carolina, which is about $72 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $2,367 in favor of North Carolina.
North Carolina: 3.99% flatSouth Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare North Carolina 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
North Carolina
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,324
Monthly take-home$4,926
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.
North Carolina vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ
| North Carolina | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 3.99% | Progressive, 2 brackets |
| Top rate | 3.99% | 6% |
| Lowest rate | 3.99% | 3% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $12,750 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 | NC state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NC take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $688 | $643 | $45 less in South Carolina | $25,597 | $25,642 |
| $40,000 | $1,087 | $1,243 | $156 less in North Carolina | $33,233 | $33,077 |
| $50,000 | $1,486 | $1,843 | $357 less in North Carolina | $40,869 | $40,512 |
| $60,000 | $1,885 | $2,443 | $558 less in North Carolina | $48,505 | $47,947 |
| $75,000 | $2,484 | $3,343 | $859 less in North Carolina | $59,109 | $58,250 |
| $100,000 | $3,481 | $4,843 | $1,362 less in North Carolina | $75,699 | $74,337 |
| $150,000 | $5,476 | $7,843 | $2,367 less in North Carolina | $108,315 | $105,948 |
| $250,000 | $9,466 | $13,843 | $4,377 less in North Carolina | $173,716 | $169,339 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | NC state tax | SC state tax | Difference | NC take-home | SC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,975 | $2,842 | $867 less in North Carolina | $62,647 | $61,781 |
| $100,000 | $2,973 | $4,342 | $1,369 less in North Carolina | $81,737 | $80,368 |
| $150,000 | $4,968 | $7,342 | $2,374 less in North Carolina | $118,217 | $115,843 |
| $250,000 | $8,958 | $13,342 | $4,384 less in North Carolina | $188,510 | $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, North Carolina and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Carolina 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
North Carolina (single filers)
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Full details for each state: North Carolina income tax calculator and South Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
North Carolina vs South Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, North Carolina or South Carolina?+
North Carolina is lower at $75,000: $2,484 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $5,476 in North Carolina and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, North Carolina and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Carolina 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 North Carolina versus South Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $75,699 a year in North Carolina would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,362 a year, or $113 a month.
How do the North Carolina and South Carolina income tax systems differ?+
North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.