Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
The default American retirement state — and still the #1 destination. No state income tax, no estate tax, year-round warm weather, and the country's largest retiree community.
Cheaper than its northern neighbor, with one of the most generous retirement income deductions in the country. Coastal retirement hubs and historic charm.
| No state income tax | Income tax | Progressive, top 6.2% |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| All retirement income state-tax-free | Pension treatment | $15K/person retirement deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 0.82% | Property tax (effective) | 0.53% |
| 7.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 7.50% |
| 102.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 95.0 |
| None (no estate or inheritance tax) | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Hot/humid year-round, especially May–October. Mild winters statewide. Hurricane season June–November. | Climate | Warm humid summers, mild winters. Low country (Charleston, Hilton Head) is hot and humid; upstate (Greenville) is cooler. |
| Strong — large hospital systems statewide (Cleveland Clinic Florida, Mayo Jacksonville, AdventHealth). Above-average Medicare Advantage options. | Healthcare | Solid in major metros — MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health (Greenville). More limited in rural areas. |
| The Villages, Sarasota, Naples | Top retirement cities | Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Bluffton |
$50,000 homestead exemption + 'Save Our Homes' 3% annual cap on assessment increases
$50K homestead exemption + first $100K of home value exempt from school operating tax for 65+
Florida: The default American retirement state — and still the #1 destination. No state income tax, no estate tax, year-round warm weather, and the country's largest retiree community. South Carolina: Cheaper than its northern neighbor, with one of the most generous retirement income deductions in the country. Coastal retirement hubs and historic charm. The right choice depends on your income mix, climate preference, and whether state income tax matters more to you than property tax.
No, Florida does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Florida's cost of living index is 102.8 (US = 100). South Carolina's is 95.0. South Carolina is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Florida and South Carolina in 30 seconds.
Open tax estimator →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.