Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,430 in South Carolina versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Utah runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,038 in South Carolina and $74,925 in Utah — about 17% higher in South Carolina. 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
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
South Carolina vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Utah?
- Utah is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,166 runs about 18% below South Carolina's $1,430, 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 $57,000 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 1/1 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.