State Comparison
South Carolina vs Tennessee
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
South Carolina leads in 8 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $309,000 in South Carolina vs $339,000 in Tennessee — a $30,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: South Carolina has a 5.21% top income tax rate while Tennessee has no income tax. Property tax rates are 0.49% vs 0.52%.
- 4
Cost of Living: South Carolina's index is 95 and Tennessee's is 89.7 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real South Carolina and Tennessee data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Carolina or Tennessee more affordable?
Tennessee has a lower cost of living index (89.7) 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 — South Carolina or Tennessee?
Overall, Tennessee has a lower combined tax burden. South Carolina has a 5.21% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.49% property tax. Tennessee has no income tax, 7% sales tax, and 0.52% property tax.
What are housing costs in South Carolina vs Tennessee?
The median home price in South Carolina is $309,000 compared to $339,000 in Tennessee. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,352/month in South Carolina vs $1,363/month in Tennessee.
Which state is better for starting a business — South Carolina or Tennessee?
LLC filing costs are $110 in South Carolina vs $300 in Tennessee, with annual fees of $0 and $300 respectively. South Carolina's 5.21% top tax rate compared to Tennessee's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from South Carolina to Tennessee?
It depends on your priorities. South Carolina wins in 8 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 South Carolina and Tennessee
When deciding between living in South Carolina or Tennessee, 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.
South Carolina (SC) has a median household income of $56,227 with a cost of living index of 95. Tennessee (TN) has a median household income of $56,071 with a cost of living index of 89.7.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free South Carolina calculator or Tennessee 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.