Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,113 in South Carolina versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, South Carolina runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,460 in South Carolina and $67,043 in Texas — about 2% higher in South Carolina. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
6.00%
None
+6.0 pp in South Carolina
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,113
$1,170
+5% in Texas
Median Home Value
$453,300
$264,900
+42% in South Carolina
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$68,460
$67,043
+2% in South Carolina
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
64.9°F
67.2°F
+2.3°F in Texas
South Carolina vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Texas?
- South Carolina is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,113 runs about 5% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in South Carolina than in Texas?
- 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 South Carolina versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or Texas?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/8 cities we track in South Carolina/Texas — 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.