Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,430 in South Carolina versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Washington runs roughly 7% 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 $83,857 in Washington — about 7% higher in South Carolina. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
South Carolina vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Washington?
- Washington is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,332 runs about 7% 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 Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, South Carolina or Washington?
- South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in South Carolina/Washington — 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.