North Carolina vs. South Carolina Living (Which is Better?)

Exploring The Differences Between North And South Carolina Living

Are you considering moving to the southeast and deciding between North Carolina vs. South Carolina living? Are you thinking about retiring to either North Carolina or South Carolina?

If yes, I understand your challenge. Moving is a big decision, and selecting the best state to call home is very important.

Often, your choice will come down to local features. However, it’s essential to consider the statewide South Carolina vs. North Carolina pros and cons as part of your decision.

As a result, I will compare the differences between North Carolina and South Carolina living in today’s article. To get started, let’s address the question head-on.

Is It Better To Live In North Or South Carolina?

North Carolina is a great place to live for anyone looking for better schools, higher quality health care, and local access to professional sporting events. In comparison, South Carolina is where you should move to save money on real estate taxes and experience a more historic southern lifestyle.

Let me demonstrate my thinking with a table including even more lifestyle factors you should consider.

Table 1: North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Pros And Cons

Next, let’s break these highlights into ten sub-topics examining the differences between North Carolina and South Carolina living.

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North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Cost Of Living

The overall cost of living in North and South Carolina is virtually the same.

North Carolina’s cost of living index is 96.1. In comparison, South Carolina’s cost of living index is 96.5. A value of 100 represents the United States National Average.

Sources:

• Missouri Economic Research and Information Center
• World Population Review

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North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Taxes

I will break down North vs. South Carolina taxes into several categories. However, I won’t bore you with an extended tax discussion. If minimizing taxes is a big priority, consult with a tax advisor.

Income taxes. North Carolina has a flat tax rate, while South Carolina residents pay higher tax rates as they make more and more money. Both states have been lowering taxes in recent years to attract residents.

Each state offers tax breaks for seniors. However, the edge goes to North Carolina because the state’s top income tax rate is lower.

On the one hand, South Carolina has a lower average property tax rate. The rate is one of the lowest of all states in the country. On the other hand, North Carolina has a more favorable sale tax rate of almost 1%.

Source: WalletHub property taxes by state

The differences between North Carolina vs. South Carolina taxes boil down to you and your lifestyle. For higher earners, I recommend North Carolina. In contrast, South Carolina may be a better choice for anyone who owns an expensive home to save on real estate taxes.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Economy And Jobs

People are moving to North Carolina because of the extensive and diverse economy. Nearly a dozen Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the state, while South Carolina has none. Also, Charlotte, NC, is one of the largest regional financial centers in the country.

Source: Statista

Both states boast low unemployment rates, typically below the U.S. national average.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Next, assessing the North Carolina vs. South Carolina pros and cons would only be complete by touching on education.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Schools

North Carolina ranks 13th for the quality of its educational system. In comparison, South Carolina ranks 34th.

Source: WalletHub

Furthermore, North Carolina is home to renowned research centers for higher education and learning, namely:

• North Carolina State University
• University of North Carolina
• Duke University
• Wake Forest University

South Carolina also has some quality higher education options, including the following schools:

• Clemson University
• The University of South Carolina
• Furman University

However, I give the edge in education to North Carolina.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Weather

Both states are known for their mild winters, limited snowfall, and generally lovely weather. South Carolina is closer to the equator and has warmer temperatures and less seasonal variety.

Choose the weather that suits your taste. However, my vote goes to North Carolina since it’s less hot during the summer.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Beaches

Both states have stunning sandy beaches. However, warmer temperatures mean South Carolina has a better year-round beach scene.

North Carolina has more miles of coastline and more barrier islands. The Outer Banks are the most well-known and popular destination for lovers of the barriers islands.

On the other hand, South Carolina has some of the more significant and more developed beachfront properties that are popular with tourists. I’m thinking of Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head.

Regarding beaches, the differences between North and South Carolina boil down to personal preference. In other words, it’s all good and a toss-up.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Sports And Recreation

Each state offers plenty of outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, biking, boating, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.

North Carolina has a more varied terrain, with the highest mountains east of the Rockies. Plus, easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the western part of the state.

Mountain lovers moving to South Carolina should stick to the upstate region near Greenville. The area is also one of the state’s most productive economic engines.

Next, North and South Carolina have rich but varied college sports histories. North Carolina’s college basketball scene is top-notch, including blue-blood programs from Duke University and the University of North Carolina.

However, South Carolina has Clemson Tigers college football. The Tigers have a top-tier program in the Atlantic Coast Conference, regularly competing for National Championships.

Pro sports fans won’t regret moving to North Carolina because the state sets itself apart with its professional sports franchises, including:

• Carolina Panthers (NFL)
• Charlotte Bobcats (NBA)
• Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)

I give the edge here to North Carolina because of the mountain ranges and professional sports franchises that call the state home.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Living, Culture, And Lifestyle

Both states have a warm southern charm and culture.

South Carolina is proud of its history, especially in Charleston and the Low Country. Many families have lived here for generations.

On the other hand, North Carolina has a greater emphasis on advanced education and economic development. There are more transplants. Thus, less stress is placed on the past and preserving what was.

Source: Quora

Both states offer excellent and varied lifestyle choices. So, choose a city or town that fits your desires because the culture and lifestyle in these two states shake out reasonably even.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Retirement Living

Mild winters, access to beautiful outdoor spaces, and the moderate cost of living make each state attractive to retirees. Thus, both states have become a red-hot retirement destination.

Neither South nor North Carolina taxes Social Security benefits. But South Carolina provides some state tax benefits for seniors that North Carolina does not.

Finally, North Carolina ranks consistently higher for the quality of its health care, another important factor for seniors looking for the best place to live.

Source: U.S. News and World Report health care rankings by state

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Crime

South Carolina has a higher violent crime rate than North Carolina. Southwest Journal recognizes the state as the 8^th worst in the country based on violent crime per 100,000 residents.

On the other hand, according to Statista, North Carolina has one of the highest levels of property crime among all states.

Do your homework and select your location wisely. No matter your chosen state, there are plenty of safe places to live.

Okay. That concludes the topics I wanted to cover, highlighting the differences between North and South Carolina.

Please allow me to wrap up with some final thoughts.

North Carolina Vs. South Carolina Living Pros And Cons: Wrap Up

Most aspects comparing North vs. South Carolina living are subjective. So, draw your conclusions based on your priorities and desired lifestyle.

I give a slight edge to North Carolina. However, both states are great places to live.

Finally, good luck, no matter where you choose to settle down!

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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

The Differences Between North And South Carolina Living Explained