State Comparison
Georgia vs South Carolina
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Both states are evenly matched, each winning in 7 metrics — your decision should depend on which factors matter most to you.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $335,000 in Georgia vs $309,000 in South Carolina — a $26,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Georgia has a 5.19% top income tax rate while South Carolina has a 5.21% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.79% vs 0.49%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Georgia's index is 93.4 and South Carolina's is 95 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Georgia and South Carolina data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Georgia or South Carolina more affordable?
Georgia has a lower cost of living index (93.4) compared to South Carolina (95), 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 — Georgia or South Carolina?
Overall, Georgia has a lower combined tax burden. Georgia has a 5.19% top income tax, 4% sales tax, and 0.79% property tax. South Carolina has a 5.21% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.49% property tax.
What are housing costs in Georgia vs South Carolina?
The median home price in Georgia is $335,000 compared to $309,000 in South Carolina. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,551/month in Georgia vs $1,352/month in South Carolina.
Which state is better for starting a business — Georgia or South Carolina?
LLC filing costs are $110 in Georgia vs $110 in South Carolina, with annual fees of $60 and $0 respectively. Georgia's 5.19% top tax rate compared to South Carolina's 5.21% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Georgia to South Carolina?
It depends on your priorities. South Carolina wins in 7 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 Georgia and South Carolina
When deciding between living in Georgia 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.
Georgia (GA) has a median household income of $65,030 with a cost of living index of 93.4. 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 Georgia calculator or South Carolina calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Inputs include Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, and BLS data. Last reviewed January 2026. Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.