Compare cities in South Carolina
Compare 7 metro profiles in South Carolina, with housing cost, climate, work, safety, daily-life, and source-labeled data.
South Carolina metros to compare
- #1
Spartanburg, SC
Cost/climate 84, Work 74, Daily life 46, Community 45. ACS rent $960/mo; safety 39/100.
- #2
Greenville, SC
Cost/climate 77, Work 73, Daily life 52, Community 44. ACS rent $1,026/mo; safety 35/100.
- #3
Columbia, SC
Cost/climate 74, Work 73, Daily life 42, Community 53. ACS rent $1,096/mo; safety 35/100.
- #4
Charleston, SC
Cost/climate 62, Work 71, Daily life 58, Community 50. ACS rent $1,402/mo; safety 35/100.
- #5
Florence, SC
Cost/climate 84, Work 75, Daily life 36, Community 41. ACS rent $848/mo; safety 39/100.
- #6
Hilton Head Island, SC
Cost/climate 56, Work 74, Daily life 47, Community 58. ACS rent $1,400/mo; safety 39/100.
- #7
Myrtle Beach, SC
Cost/climate 68, Work 74, Daily life 57, Community 34. ACS rent $1,138/mo; safety 39/100.
In-state comparisons
Retiring in South Carolina: state tax treatment
| Social Security | Not taxed | Social Security benefits are exempt from South Carolina income tax. |
|---|---|---|
| Pension / 401(k) / IRA | Partially taxed / income-limited | Retirement deduction up to $3,000 under 65 and $10,000 at 65+, plus a separate $15,000 senior deduction (offset rules apply); military retirement pay is fully exempt. |
| Senior property-tax relief | Available | Homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of fair market value for homeowners 65+. |
| Estate tax | No | |
| Inheritance tax | No |
Research, not tax advice. This is an unverified snapshot retrieved 2026-07-13 from public sources — thresholds, phase-outs, and rules change every year. Verify with the South Carolina revenue department and a tax professional before acting on it.
Use the Retirement Edition quiz to reweight South Carolina metros around healthcare access, retirement taxes, cost, and climate comfort.
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