Living in South Carolina vs North Carolina

Table of Contents

1. Living in South Carolina vs North Carolina[+]
   1. Type of Crowd, Community
   2. The Hustle and Bustle
   3. Geographical Location
   4. Nature/Environment
   5. Education/Job Opportunities
   6. Final Words

South Carolina and North Carolina are two of the most popular states in America. Which one is better? That’s a tricky question! The answer depends on your lifestyle: If you’re like most people, you’ve been living in one state and dreaming about moving to another.

For some folks, it’s all about the money. If that is the case, then the answer can be found with a simple query on a cost of living calculator. For others, it’s a big decision with many pros and cons; we know! But we also have some insider knowledge that might help you make the right choice.

In this blog post, we’ll compare North Carolina vs South Carolina so that you can decide which is best for your family.

Living in South Carolina vs North Carolina

Type of Crowd, Community

people in North Carolina are more outgoing, family-oriented, and active. South Carolina people are more reserved, but there is a lot of church activity and southern comfort food (fried everything!) North Carolina is more laid back and relaxed, while South Carolina is a busy state with plenty to do.

North Carolina has been ranked one of the best states to live in numerous times, and it’s been named “best state for business,” too. While South Carolina has coastlines, North Carolina still has plenty of lovely beaches if you want to enjoy the water.

Climate and Weather

North Carolina is hot in the summer, while South Carolina can sometimes relax in winter. If you’re headed for North Carolina, you should know that the summers are humid and slow-moving while winters are milder than in other colder Eastern states.

It’s also important to note that there are stunning contrasts in temperatures within just a few miles. In South Carolina, there is a more moderate climate with warmer winters and milder summers.

House and Property Rates, Taxes

In general, average yearly house and property tax rates are lower in South Carolina than in North Carolina.

For example, for a home with an assessed value of $200,000, you would pay about $1,810 in taxes in South Carolina and $2,130 in taxes in North Carolina. *Average house and property tax rates in South Carolina from 2012-2013 were $1,188, compared to North Carolina’s average rate of $1,314.

Income tax in South Carolina is 6% for anyone making between $0 and $13,000. In North Carolina, the income tax rate is 5.499%. The sales tax in North Carolina is 4%. In South Carolina, it’s 6%. You may also find many homes in Conway SC homes for sale for your budget house in SC.

Healthcare

Both states have “average” rankings of 22 out of 50 in healthcare. However, North Carolina had more people uninsured than South Carolina (18 percent vs 15 percent).

Healthcare in South Carolina vs North Carolina is about the medical programs both states provide their citizens! Health care for South Carolina and North Carolina is where both states get a 2 out of 5 stars rating.

Owing to the lusciously green environment and healthy ecosystems in South Carolina, people here are healthy and fall less sick than the average number of people visiting hospitals in North Carolina. But also, healthcare is cheaper in SC.

Cost of living, Economy, and Other Finances

While both the Carolinas have an almost similar cost of living, transportation, and tax rates, every buck counts, and it adds up to quite an amount if you are careful about saving it all up. If you’re wondering about the cost of living in North Carolina vs South Carolina, it’s slightly lower in South Carolina.

South Carolina has cheaper transportation, housing, and groceries, which has increased the rate of ownership in South Carolina compared to NC.

The Hustle and Bustle

South Carolina, with approximately five million, has less noise and crowd than North Carolina, which accommodates nearly 10 million people.

The state is one of the most populous in the United States. Most of its residents live in a strip that stretches from Charleston to Columbia, located near the center of the state.

South Carolina allows you to slow down your fast-paced life and take a break from the noise and crowd.

Geographical Location

South Carolina is situated with more accessible beaches. Therefore, South Carolina also has a lot of water activities.

North Carolina is more inland, but they do have some good beaches near the area as well. North Carolina has at least one major city or metropolitan area in its three main regions: the Research Triangle in the central Piedmont region, Charlotte in the south-central region, and the Outer Banks along the far eastern coast.

South Carolina has several major cities and metropolitan areas, including Columbia, Charleston’s capital, and North Charleston, both coastal port cities.

Nature/Environment

SC is more nature-friendly than the busy areas of North Carolina, where businesses flourish due to the number of corporate offices and residential apartments.

The rise in population leads to pollution, and this cause-effect is evident in air, water, or soil contamination. SC is preferred for its lush green beauty and sense of calm found at the beaches and waters.

Sports/Adventure/Recreational Activities

South Carolina has many great places like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island, famous for their beautiful beaches.

You can go boating or yachting here to enjoy the beauty of the beach while spending time with friends and family members. You can also go boating or yachting near Lake Murray, which has more than 100 miles of shoreline and is the largest lake in South Carolina.

There are many great places in South Carolina for camping as well. You can go to Lake Murray or the many state parks that offer hiking, geocaching, and fishing for some great outdoor fun.

North Carolina also has a rich culture of recreational activities and weekend outplaces. Being in the piedmont region of North Carolina, most people like to go out camping and exercise during their weekends.

Horse riding is one of the best outdoor activities, followed by fishing, famous in North Carolina. One can experience excellent horse riding at places like Joyce Meyer’s stables, etc.

There are many other activities that people can do during their weekends to enjoy the fresh air.

Education/Job Opportunities

1. 1. South Carolina offers many opportunities for public school education. It has one of the largest average class sizes in the country, so your child will receive significant attention from their teacher. Average SAT scores are higher than in North Carolina. The state is working hard to increase funding for STEM classes so students have multiple options for their preferred learning path. Additionally, the state has many public and private universities that offer vocationally- and academically focused instruction.
   2. Employment: South Carolina vs North Carolina Our research shows that South Carolina employees enjoy excellent wages and salaries – an average of $3,000 higher than those working in North Carolina. South Carolina’s average annual salary with benefits is $42,590 – only $5,571 shy of the national average – and its weekly wages are $758 on average. North Carolina comes in at an annual salary of $42,307 and a weekly salary of $722.

Final Words

While most factors balance out North Carolina vs South Carolina, you must consider the factors relevant to you and balance the one out against the other.

Make sure you think about what’s important to you and choose accordingly.

Thank you for reading!