Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,113 in South Carolina versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, South Carolina runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,460 in South Carolina and $68,854 in Vermont — about 1% higher in Vermont. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
South Carolina vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Vermont?
- South Carolina is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,113 runs about 13% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in South Carolina than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or Vermont?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in South Carolina/Vermont — 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.