California vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. South Carolina
Intro
Both California and South Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower property‑tax burden, and outlines the types of households for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑side comparison (2023 ACS)
| Metric | California | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,199 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,266 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $66,818 |
| Link to state‑specific page | California property tax | South Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): South Carolina
- Rate difference: 0.20 percentage points, which is a 28.5 % lower effective tax rate than California’s 0.71 %.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $505 (South Carolina $1,266 vs. California $1,771).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,010 (South Carolina $2,532 vs. California $3,542).
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate and the resulting lower annual tax amounts for comparable home values, South Carolina provides a less expensive property‑tax environment than California.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their annual property‑tax obligation would change if they moved between the two states. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating overall affordability, especially when the purchase price is similar (e.g., $250k or $500k). |
| Retirees | Property‑tax burden can affect fixed‑income budgets; lower rates in South Carolina may be advantageous. |
| Investors | Tax‑rate differences affect cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures interact with median home values and incomes. |
The comparison does not account for other taxes (e.g., income, sales) or cost‑of‑living factors; readers should consider the full fiscal environment when assessing relocation or investment decisions.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, South Carolina’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.51 % is 28.5 % lower than California’s 0.71 %. This translates into lower annual taxes across common home price points, making South Carolina the lower‑tax option for property owners. The information is particularly useful for homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors who need a clear, data‑driven view of the property‑tax landscape in these two states.
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Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.