State Comparison
North Carolina 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 $340,000 in North Carolina vs $309,000 in South Carolina — a $31,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: North Carolina has a 3.99% top income tax rate while South Carolina has a 5.21% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.66% vs 0.49%.
- 4
Cost of Living: North Carolina's index is 96.6 and South Carolina's is 91.9 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real North Carolina and South Carolina data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina or South Carolina more affordable?
South Carolina has a lower cost of living index (91.9) compared to North Carolina (96.6), 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 — North Carolina or South Carolina?
It depends on what you earn, spend, and own — the three rates below apply to different bases (income, purchases, and home value), so they cannot be added into a single burden figure. On the headline rates alone, North Carolina is lower on more of them. North Carolina has a 3.99% top income tax, 4.75% state sales tax, and a 0.66% effective property tax rate. South Carolina has a 5.21% top income tax, 6% state sales tax, and a 0.49% effective property tax rate.
What are housing costs in North Carolina vs South Carolina?
The typical home value in North Carolina is $340,000 compared to $309,000 in South Carolina (Zillow Home Value Index, June 2026). For renters, HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit — the 40th-percentile gross rent, not an average — is $1,410/month in North Carolina vs $1,352/month in South Carolina.
Which state is better for starting a business — North Carolina or South Carolina?
LLC filing costs are $125 in North Carolina vs $110 in South Carolina, with annual fees of $200 and $0 respectively. North Carolina's 3.99% top tax rate compared to South Carolina's 5.21% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from North Carolina 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 North Carolina and South Carolina
When deciding between living in North Carolina or South Carolina, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey), the Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rents, Zillow's Home Value Index, the NAIC's insurance databases, the U.S. Department of Labor, C2ER's Cost of Living Index, and state agencies, to give you a comprehensive overview.
North Carolina (NC) has a median household income of $73,958 with a cost of living index of 96.6. South Carolina (SC) has a median household income of $72,350 with a cost of living index of 91.9. Income figures are Census ACS 1-year estimates (table B19013, 2024); the cost-of-living index is C2ER's Q1 2026 survey via MERIC, where 100 is the national average of surveyed cities.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free North Carolina calculator or South Carolina calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Sources per metric are named in each row's note above. Last reviewed . Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.