1Utah
Lowest21.1%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,409
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,817
- Net income (annual)
- $59,184
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
South Carolina vs Utah Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $934 less state income tax a year in Utah than in South Carolina, which is about $78 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $2,059 in favor of Utah.
South Carolina: up to 6%Utah: 4.5% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare South Carolina and Utah 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
Utah
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,318
Monthly take-home$4,932
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.
South Carolina vs Utah: how the two systems differ
| South Carolina | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 2 brackets | Flat 4.5% |
| Top rate | 6% | 4.5% |
| Lowest rate | 3% | 4.5% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $8,350 standard deduction | $966 personal credit |
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 | SC state tax | UT state tax | Difference | SC take-home | UT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $643 | $384 | $259 less in Utah | $25,642 | $25,901 |
| $40,000 | $1,243 | $834 | $409 less in Utah | $33,077 | $33,486 |
| $50,000 | $1,843 | $1,284 | $559 less in Utah | $40,512 | $41,071 |
| $60,000 | $2,443 | $1,734 | $709 less in Utah | $47,947 | $48,656 |
| $75,000 | $3,343 | $2,409 | $934 less in Utah | $58,250 | $59,184 |
| $100,000 | $4,843 | $3,534 | $1,309 less in Utah | $74,337 | $75,646 |
| $150,000 | $7,843 | $5,784 | $2,059 less in Utah | $105,948 | $108,007 |
| $250,000 | $13,843 | $10,284 | $3,559 less in Utah | $169,339 | $172,898 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | SC state tax | UT state tax | Difference | SC take-home | UT take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,842 | $1,443 | $1,399 less in Utah | $61,781 | $63,180 |
| $100,000 | $4,342 | $2,568 | $1,774 less in Utah | $80,368 | $82,142 |
| $150,000 | $7,342 | $4,818 | $2,524 less in Utah | $115,843 | $118,367 |
| $250,000 | $13,342 | $9,318 | $4,024 less in Utah | $184,126 | $188,150 |
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 and Utah charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Utah is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Utah (single filers)
| 4.5% | Over $0 |
- Utah: Utah’s credit phases out as income rises, which is not modeled here.
Full details for each state: South Carolina income tax calculator and Utah income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
South Carolina vs Utah FAQ
Which has lower income tax, South Carolina or Utah?+
Utah is lower at $75,000: $2,409 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $7,843 in South Carolina and $5,784 in Utah. For a single filer, South Carolina and Utah charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Utah is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in South Carolina versus Utah?+
A single filer keeping $74,337 a year in South Carolina would keep $75,646 in Utah after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,309 a year, or $109 a month.
How do the South Carolina and Utah income tax systems differ?+
South Carolina uses progressive rates up to 6%; Utah uses a flat 4.5% rate. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this South Carolina vs Utah 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 South Carolina to Utah 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.