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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

North Dakota vs South Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $3,140 less state income tax a year in North Dakota than in South Carolina, which is about $262 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $6,177 in favor of North Dakota.

North Dakota: up to 2.5%South Carolina: up to 6%Updated October 10, 2026

Compare North Dakota 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.

1North Dakota

Lowest

18.1%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$203
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$13,611
Net income (annual)
$61,389

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

North Dakota

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,134
Monthly take-home$5,116

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 Dakota vs South Carolina: how the two systems differ

North DakotaSouth Carolina
Wage income taxProgressive, 2 bracketsProgressive, 2 brackets
Top rate2.5%6%
Lowest rate1.95%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.

IncomeND state taxSC state taxDifferenceND take-homeSC take-home
$30,000$0$643$643 less in North Dakota$26,285$25,642
$40,000$0$1,243$1,243 less in North Dakota$34,320$33,077
$50,000$0$1,843$1,843 less in North Dakota$42,355$40,512
$60,000$0$2,443$2,443 less in North Dakota$50,390$47,947
$75,000$203$3,343$3,140 less in North Dakota$61,389$58,250
$100,000$691$4,843$4,152 less in North Dakota$78,489$74,337
$150,000$1,666$7,843$6,177 less in North Dakota$112,125$105,948
$250,000$3,616$13,843$10,227 less in North Dakota$179,566$169,339

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

Married filing jointly

IncomeND state taxSC state taxDifferenceND take-homeSC take-home
$75,000$0$2,842$2,842 less in North Dakota$64,623$61,781
$100,000$0$4,342$4,342 less in North Dakota$84,710$80,368
$150,000$718$7,342$6,624 less in North Dakota$122,467$115,843
$250,000$2,668$13,342$10,674 less in North Dakota$194,800$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 Dakota and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Dakota is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

North Dakota (single filers)

1.95%$48,476 to $244,825
2.5%Over $244,825

South Carolina (single filers)

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

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

North Dakota vs South Carolina FAQ

Which has lower income tax, North Dakota or South Carolina?+

North Dakota is lower at $75,000: $203 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $1,666 in North Dakota and $7,843 in South Carolina. For a single filer, North Dakota and South Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Dakota is the lower-tax state.

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

A single filer keeping $78,489 a year in North Dakota would keep $74,337 in South Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $4,152 a year, or $346 a month.

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

North Dakota uses progressive rates up to 2.5%; 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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.