Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
South Carolina vs Tennessee comes down to what you value. Tennessee is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 3% lower than South Carolina, so the same paycheck stretches further. Tennessee ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#13 vs #20), balancing cost against quality of life. South Carolina is strongest on climate and weakest on healthcare; Tennessee is strongest on climate and weakest on safety.
| Metric | South Carolina | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 0.88 12% below average | 0.85 15% below average |
| Best Life Rank | #20 | #13 |
| Cost of living | #13 | #10 |
| Climate | #5 | #6 |
| Healthcare | #40 | #44 |
| Schools | #40 | #35 |
| Safety | #38 | #45 |
| Economy | #15 | #9 |
| Air quality | #32 | #37 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in South Carolina, you'd need about $97,000 in Tennessee.
To live the way $100,000 does in Tennessee, you'd need about $103,500 in South Carolina.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $61,467 in South Carolina and $65,110 in Tennessee after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the South Carolina paycheck calculator or the Tennessee paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after South Carolina taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Tennessee taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Tennessee is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 3% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 0.85 versus 0.88. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, Tennessee ranks higher (#13 vs #20). But 'better' depends on your priorities, South Carolina leads on climate while Tennessee leads on economy.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in South Carolina is roughly equivalent to $97,000 in Tennessee for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.