Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle.
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 (since 2025) | Pension treatment | $15K/person retirement deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 1.93% | Property tax (effective) | 0.53% |
| 0.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 7.50% |
| 109.7 | Cost of living (US=100) | 95.0 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Four full seasons including snowy winters. Mild summers (70–80°F), cold winters (often below 20°F). | Climate | Warm humid summers, mild winters. Low country (Charleston, Hilton Head) is hot and humid; upstate (Greenville) is cooler. |
| Excellent — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is one of the top academic systems in the country. | Healthcare | Solid in major metros — MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health (Greenville). More limited in rural areas. |
| Portsmouth, Hanover, Wolfeboro | Top retirement cities | Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Bluffton |
Property tax exemption for elderly (varies sharply by town) with age 65/75/80 tiers
$50K homestead exemption + first $100K of home value exempt from school operating tax for 65+
New Hampshire: The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle. 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, New Hampshire does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, South Carolina does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
New Hampshire's cost of living index is 109.7 (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 New Hampshire 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.