Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,430 in South Carolina versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 16% 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 $64,017 in Virginia — about 29% higher in South Carolina. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
South Carolina vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 16% 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 Virginia?
- 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 $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or Virginia?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in South Carolina/Virginia — 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.