Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,113 in South Carolina. Overall, South Carolina runs roughly 2% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $68,460 in South Carolina — about 16% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
6.00%
+0.7 pp in South Carolina
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,113
+2% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$453,300
+1% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$68,460
+16% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
64.9°F
+12.4°F in South Carolina
Idaho vs South Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or South Carolina?
- South Carolina is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,113 runs about 2% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Idaho than in South Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $45,000 in South Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or South Carolina?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Idaho/South Carolina — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.