Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,113 in South Carolina versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, South Carolina runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,460 in South Carolina and $74,925 in Utah — about 9% higher in Utah. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.1%
+0.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
6.00%
4.50%
+1.5 pp in South Carolina
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,113
$1,166
+5% in Utah
Median Home Value
$453,300
$437,100
+4% in South Carolina
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$68,460
$74,925
+9% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
64.9°F
52.8°F
+12.1°F in South Carolina
South Carolina vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Utah?
- South Carolina is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,113 runs about 5% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in South Carolina than in Utah?
- 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 Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or Utah?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in South Carolina/Utah — 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.