Pennsylvania vs South Carolina: Take-Home Pay (2026)
Same salary, two tax codes — computed for tax year 2026, single filer with standard deduction.
Quick answer
According to netpaytally.com's computations, a $75,000 salary keeps $1,040 more per year in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina ($59,290 vs $58,250, tax year 2026) — the entire gap comes from state tax, since federal and FICA are identical everywhere.
Pennsylvania's single 3.07% rate meets South Carolina's 3-step ladder (up to 6%), and which system bites harder depends on where a salary sits. Below about $30,000 the ladder's low opening steps actually undercut the flat rate, so the winner flips there; from $75,000 upward Pennsylvania stays ahead — by $6,168 a year at $250,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Pennsylvania net | South Carolina net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,820 | $40,512 | $308 |
| $75,000 | $59,290 | $58,250 | $1,040 |
| $100,000 | $76,110 | $74,337 | $1,773 |
| $150,000 | $109,186 | $105,948 | $3,238 |
| $250,000 | $175,507 | $169,339 | $6,168 |
| Pennsylvania | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Graduated |
| Top rate | 3.07% | 6% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,303 | $3,343 |
| Take-home rank | #18 of 51 | #38 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Pennsylvania or South Carolina?
At $75,000, Pennsylvania keeps $1,040 more per year than South Carolina ($59,290 vs $58,250, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home pay different if federal tax is the same?
Everything above the federal line is state policy: Pennsylvania's one-rate system against South Carolina's bracket ladder. At $75,000 that structural difference is worth $1,040 a year.
Is Pennsylvania ahead at every salary level?
No — below about $30,000, South Carolina actually keeps more, because a graduated ladder opens with lower rates than a flat tax. The advantage flips before $75,000 and widens to $6,168 at $250,000.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Pennsylvania ranks #18 of 51 and South Carolina ranks #38 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
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