Cheaper than its northern neighbor, with one of the most generous retirement income deductions in the country. Coastal retirement hubs and historic charm.
| State income tax | Progressive, top rate 6.2% |
| Social Security | Fully exempt |
| Pensions & 401k/IRA | $10K retirement income deduction (under 65) or $15K (65+) per person; SS fully exempt |
| Avg combined sales tax | 7.50% |
| Estate / inheritance tax | None |
Effective property tax: 0.53% (ranked #6 of 50 states).
$50K homestead exemption + first $100K of home value exempt from school operating tax for 65+
Cost of living index: 95.0 where the US average is 100 — about 5% cheaper than the national average.
Warm humid summers, mild winters. Low country (Charleston, Hilton Head) is hot and humid; upstate (Greenville) is cooler.
Solid in major metros — MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health (Greenville). More limited in rural areas.
Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Bluffton
No, South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Progressive, top rate 6.2%. $15K/person retirement deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt.
South Carolina's cost of living index is 95.0 where the US average is 100. Effective property tax averages 0.53% and combined sales tax averages 7.50%.
Popular retirement spots in South Carolina include Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Bluffton.
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Tax data current as of 2026 publication. Rates and rules change annually — verify with a CPA before relocating. This page is educational and not personalized tax or legal advice.