Quick answer
South Carolina has lower average 1BR rent ($1,500/mo vs $2,600/mo). State income tax: Massachusetts (5%) vs South Carolina (6.4%) — on a $120K salary that's $1,680/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Massachusetts vs South Carolina
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Massachusetts vs South Carolina at a Glance
| Metric | Massachusetts | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $2,600 | $1,500 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $720K | $448K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Boston ($2,600) | Greenville ($1,250) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Boston ($2,600) | Charleston ($1,750) |
| State income tax | 5% ✓ | 6.4% |
| Avg walkability | 83/100 ✓ | 57/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Massachusetts (5%).
Salary $80K
$1,120
/year saved in Massachusetts
Salary $120K
$1,680
/year saved in Massachusetts
Salary $200K
$2,800
/year saved in Massachusetts
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Massachusetts (MA)
Tax reality
Massachusetts has a 5% flat state income tax plus a 4% 'millionaire surtax' on income over $1M (passed 2022). Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective statewide, higher in Boston suburbs). No estate tax below $2M; above that, MA estate tax is among the most aggressive in the US.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing cost is the big one. Greater Boston is among the most expensive US metros, and it's not just the city — close suburbs are similarly expensive, with the 'cheap' far suburbs still above US median.
- ✕Winters are cold and long. Boston averages 48 inches of snow per year, and coastal storms (nor'easters) can drop 18-24 inches in a single event. Winters last from mid-November through early April.
- ✕Drivers are notoriously aggressive in Boston — narrow roads, confusing intersections, and a local driving culture that surprises newcomers. Rental car insurance rates reflect it.
South Carolina (SC)
Tax reality
South Carolina top income tax is 6.2% (being reduced to 5.75% over time) and property tax averages ~0.57%. Combined effective tax is moderate. The real cost is rising property insurance — coastal homeowners face 15-25% annual increases due to hurricane risk.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Hurricane/flood risk is real in the Lowcountry — Katrina, Matthew, Florence, Ian all caused significant damage. "Sunny day flooding" in Charleston happens 3-5 times/year now (king tide + sea level rise), closing streets and roads with no storm.
- ✕Extreme summer heat and humidity — July-August regularly hit 92°F+ with 75%+ humidity, making outdoor activity miserable. Heat index routinely 100°F+. This is worse than Alabama due to coastal moisture.
- ✕Insurance costs are spiking coastal — homeowners insurance increased 15-25%+ annually in Charleston area. Flood insurance is separate and expensive. Some insurers are exiting the state entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts or South Carolina cheaper to live in?
South Carolina has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,500/mo vs $2,600/mo in Massachusetts, a $1100/mo difference. Home prices: South Carolina median is $448K vs $720K.
Massachusetts vs South Carolina: which has lower state income tax?
Massachusetts has lower state income tax (5%) vs 6.4% in South Carolina. On an $80K salary that's $1,120/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $2,800/year.
Should I move from Massachusetts to South Carolina?
Massachusetts has a 5% flat state income tax plus a 4% 'millionaire surtax' on income over $1M (passed 2022). Property tax is moderate (~1.1% effective statewide, higher in Boston suburbs). No estate tax below $2M; above that, MA estate tax is among the most aggressive in the US.
What are the best cities in Massachusetts vs South Carolina?
Massachusetts's largest metros include Boston. South Carolina's largest metros include Charleston, Greenville. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Massachusetts suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.