State Comparison
Florida vs South Carolina
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
South Carolina leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $400,000 in Florida vs $280,000 in South Carolina — a $120,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Florida has no income tax while South Carolina has a 6.4% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.89% vs 0.57%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Florida's index is 102.8 and South Carolina's is 95 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Florida and South Carolina data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida or South Carolina more affordable?
South Carolina has a lower cost of living index (95) compared to Florida (102.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Florida or South Carolina?
Overall, Florida has a lower combined tax burden. Florida has no income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.89% property tax. South Carolina has a 6.4% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
What are housing costs in Florida vs South Carolina?
The median home price in Florida is $400,000 compared to $280,000 in South Carolina. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,567/month in Florida vs $1,080/month in South Carolina.
Which state is better for starting a business — Florida or South Carolina?
LLC filing costs are $125 in Florida vs $110 in South Carolina, with annual fees of $138 and $0 respectively. Florida's lack of income tax compared to South Carolina's 6.4% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Florida to South Carolina?
It depends on your priorities. South Carolina wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Florida and South Carolina
When deciding between living in Florida or South Carolina, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Florida (FL) has a median household income of $67,917 with a cost of living index of 102.8. South Carolina (SC) has a median household income of $56,227 with a cost of living index of 95.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Florida calculator or South Carolina calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.