Side-by-side tax comparison between South Carolina (6.4% top rate) and South Dakota (no income tax).
| Salary | South Carolina | South Dakota | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $39,898 | $42,298 | +$2,400 | South Dakota |
| $75K | $57,703 | $61,303 | +$3,600 | South Dakota |
| $100K | $74,090 | $78,890 | +$4,800 | South Dakota |
| $150K | $106,246 | $113,446 | +$7,200 | South Dakota |
| $200K | $139,503 | $149,103 | +$9,600 | South Dakota |
South Dakota offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. With no state income tax, South Dakota gives you a significant advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% top rate. At $100K, the difference is $4,800/year — that’s $400/month.
However, cost of living matters. South Carolina has a cost index of 92 while South Dakota is at 92. With similar costs of living, the tax difference is the main factor.