1Wisconsin
Lowest21.3%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,594
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,002
- Net income (annual)
- $58,998
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
South Carolina vs Wisconsin Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $748 less state income tax a year in Wisconsin than in South Carolina, which is about $62 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,273 in favor of Wisconsin.
South Carolina: up to 6%Wisconsin: up to 7.65%Updated October 10, 2026
Compare South Carolina and Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,333
Monthly take-home$4,917
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 Wisconsin: how the two systems differ
| South Carolina | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 2 brackets | Progressive, 4 brackets |
| Top rate | 6% | 7.65% |
| Lowest rate | 3% | 3.5% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $8,350 standard deduction | $13,960 standard deduction, $700 personal exemption |
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 | WI state tax | Difference | SC take-home | WI take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $643 | $539 | $104 less in Wisconsin | $25,642 | $25,746 |
| $40,000 | $1,243 | $979 | $264 less in Wisconsin | $33,077 | $33,341 |
| $50,000 | $1,843 | $1,419 | $424 less in Wisconsin | $40,512 | $40,936 |
| $60,000 | $2,443 | $1,859 | $584 less in Wisconsin | $47,947 | $48,531 |
| $75,000 | $3,343 | $2,594 | $748 less in Wisconsin | $58,250 | $58,998 |
| $100,000 | $4,843 | $3,919 | $923 less in Wisconsin | $74,337 | $75,261 |
| $150,000 | $7,843 | $6,569 | $1,273 less in Wisconsin | $105,948 | $107,222 |
| $250,000 | $13,843 | $11,869 | $1,973 less in Wisconsin | $169,339 | $171,313 |
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 | WI state tax | Difference | SC take-home | WI take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,842 | $1,920 | $922 less in Wisconsin | $61,781 | $62,702 |
| $100,000 | $4,342 | $3,052 | $1,290 less in Wisconsin | $80,368 | $81,658 |
| $150,000 | $7,342 | $5,702 | $1,640 less in Wisconsin | $115,843 | $117,483 |
| $250,000 | $13,342 | $11,002 | $2,340 less in Wisconsin | $184,126 | $186,466 |
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 Wisconsin charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Wisconsin is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $510,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
Rates side by side
South Carolina (single filers)
| 3% | $3,641 to $18,230 |
| 6% | Over $18,230 |
Wisconsin (single filers)
| 3.5% | Up to $15,110 |
| 4.4% | $15,111 to $51,950 |
| 5.3% | $51,951 to $332,720 |
| 7.65% | Over $332,720 |
Full details for each state: South Carolina income tax calculator and Wisconsin income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
South Carolina vs Wisconsin FAQ
Which has lower income tax, South Carolina or Wisconsin?+
Wisconsin is lower at $75,000: $2,594 of state income tax versus $3,343 in South Carolina. At $150,000 it is $7,843 in South Carolina and $6,569 in Wisconsin. For a single filer, South Carolina and Wisconsin charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, Wisconsin is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $510,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in South Carolina versus Wisconsin?+
A single filer keeping $74,337 a year in South Carolina would keep $75,261 in Wisconsin after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $923 a year, or $77 a month.
How do the South Carolina and Wisconsin income tax systems differ?+
South Carolina uses progressive rates up to 6%; Wisconsin uses progressive rates up to 7.65%. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this South Carolina vs Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.