New Jersey vs South Carolina: Which Is Better to Live In?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and South Carolina #36 as of the latest release. South Carolina is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 93.7 vs 108.8), has a 2.2-point lower tax burden, and has a 50% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 4.
- Income needed to buy the typical home is 53% lower in South Carolina ($79,086 vs. $167,639 in New Jersey).
- Violent crime rate is 50% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 388 in South Carolina).
- Center-based infant care, per year is 42% lower in South Carolina ($10,474 vs. $17,977 in New Jersey).
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +6 pts | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | 49.0#36 of 50 · C | +6 pts | — | NJ |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +15.1 pts (+16%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 93.7#19 of 50 | +15.1 pts+16% | 100 | SC |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$45,893 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$2,089#8 of 50 | -$45,893 | -$11,758 | SC |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$274,030 (+89%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $306,323#19 of 50 | +$274,030+89% | $368,697 | SC |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +2.15 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 8.15%#15 of 50 | +2.15 pts | 8.74% | SC |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -194 (-50%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 388#38 of 50 | -194-50% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$31,944 (+44%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $72,350#38 of 50 | +$31,944+44% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.4 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 83.8%#34 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 85.62% | NJ |
| Life expectancyGap +4.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 75.1#41 of 50 | +4.5 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -48,584 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +29,214#4 of 50 | -48,584 | -33 | SC |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is New Jersey or South Carolina better to live in?
New Jersey scores higher overall: 55 to 49 out of 100, #28 of 50 against #36. New Jersey leads 6 of 11 categories, South Carolina leads 4, and 1 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +17.6 | 15% | 49.4#22 · B | 31.8#42 · C | +17.6 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap +21.8 | 12% | 81.8#7 · A | 60.0#38 · C | +21.8 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap +36.8 | 12% | 78.1#4 · A+ | 41.3#38 · C | +36.8 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap +24.7 | 12% | 74.8#5 · A+ | 50.1#38 · C | +24.7 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -38.8 | 10% | 39.6#45 · D | 78.4#16 · B+ | -38.8 pts | SC |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -21.2 | 8% | 33.2#49 · F | 54.4#36 · C | -21.2 pts | SC |
| Growth7% of scoregap -51.3 | 7% | 19.7#46 · D | 71.0#2 · A+ | -51.3 pts | SC |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +3.5 | 7% | 45.9#36 · C | 42.4#43 · D | +3.5 pts | NJ |
| Livability7% of scoregap -16.1 | 7% | 25.7#39 · C | 41.8#14 · B+ | -16.1 pts | SC |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -2.4 | 6% | 6.5#48 · D | 8.9#45 · D | -2.4 pts | Even |
| Environment4% of scoregap +16.3 | 4% | 37.4#31 · C+ | 21.1#49 · F | +16.3 pts | NJ |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is New Jersey cheaper than South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper: cost of living index 93.7 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $45,893 more a year in South Carolina after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +15.1 pts (+16%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 93.7#19 of 50 | +15.1 pts+16% | 100 | SC |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.8 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.3#23 of 50 | +10.8 pts+11% | 100 | SC |
| Residential electricity priceGap +7.67¢ (+51%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 14.96¢/kWh#21 of 50 | +7.67¢+51% | 17.84¢/kWh | SC |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$2.70 (-16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $16.91/Mcf#34 of 50 | -$2.70-16% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.21 (+7%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $2.99/gal#7 of 50 | +$0.21+7% | $3.32/gal | SC |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$7,503 (+72%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $10,474#6 of 50 | +$7,503+72% | $15,633 | SC |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap -$17,906 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$34,233costs $40,767 | -$17,906 | SC |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap -$24,025 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$27,172costs $47,828 | -$24,025 | SC |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap -$45,893 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | +$2,089costs $72,911 | -$45,893 | SC |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap -$20,959 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$39,460costs $35,539 | -$20,959 | SC |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$28,526 | $48,737 | $20,211 | +$28,526 | SC |
| ChildcareGap +$15,006 | $35,954 | $20,948 | +$15,006 | SC |
| UtilitiesGap +$724 | $5,222 | $4,498 | +$724 | SC |
| GroceriesGap +$1,217 | $12,063 | $10,846 | +$1,217 | SC |
| TransportationGap +$660 | $10,057 | $9,397 | +$660 | SC |
| State and local taxesGap -$240 | $6,771 | $7,011 | -$240 | Even |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or South Carolina?
South Carolina collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 8.15% vs 10.3%. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; South Carolina has low property tax, with income and sales taxes in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +2.15 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 8.15%#15 of 50 | +2.15 pts | 8.74% | SC |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +5.55 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 6.2%#34 of 50 | +5.55 pts | 5.46% | SC |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.8 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.53%#5 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 1.02% | SC |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -0.89 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 7.49%#33 of 50 | -0.89 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or South Carolina?
Homes cost 89% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $580,353 in New Jersey vs $306,323 in South Carolina. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of income in New Jersey and $79,086 in South Carolina; the median household earns $104,294 and $72,350.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$274,030 (+89%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $306,323#19 of 50 | +$274,030+89% | $368,697 | SC |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.9 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1%#37 of 50 | +2.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$944 (+60%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,569#20 of 50 | +$944+60% | $1,948 | SC |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$88,553 (+112%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $79,086#14 of 50 | +$88,553+112% | $100,006 | SC |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1.4x (+33%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.2x#23 of 50 | +1.4x+33% | 4.6x | SC |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| NJ | SC | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $2,986 | $1,576 |
| Income needed vs. median | +61% | +9% |
| Five-year change | +35.4% | +25% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Cold |
| Largest metro | Trenton | Greenville |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $72,350, with unemployment at 5.2% in New Jersey and 4.5% in South Carolina.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap +$31,944 (+44%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $72,350#38 of 50 | +$31,944+44% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.7 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4.5%#39 of 50 | +0.7 pts | 3.95% | SC |
| GDP per capitaGap +$23,305 (+46%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $50,515#47 of 50 | +$23,305+46% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.5 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.5%#13 of 50 | -0.5 pts | +1.91% | SC |
| Population growthGap -1.02 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +1.46%#1 of 50 | -1.02 pts | +0.51% | SC |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is New Jersey safer than South Carolina?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 388 in South Carolina (FBI). Property crime runs 1,250 and 1,676 per 100,000.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -194 (-50%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 388#38 of 50 | -194-50% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -427 (-25%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,676#36 of 50 | -427-25% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
- Fort Mill, SC30 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #38), with high school graduation rates of 85.2% and 83.8%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #38); life expectancy is 79.6 years in New Jersey and 75.1 in South Carolina.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +14 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 268#39 of 50 | +14 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +12 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 254#40 of 50 | +12 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.4 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 83.8%#34 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 85.62% | NJ |
| Life expectancyGap +4.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 75.1#41 of 50 | +4.5 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -6.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 34.6%#30 of 50 | -6.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -1.3 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 9%#37 of 50 | -1.3 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -4 pts (-9%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 44#46 of 50 | -4 pts-9% | 38.8 | NJ |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
- Fort Mill, SCeducation score 96
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: New Jersey #5, South Carolina #38. Health: New Jersey #4, South Carolina #38.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to South Carolina, or from South Carolina to New Jersey?
3,650 households moved from New Jersey to South Carolina in the latest IRS release (average income $106,493); the flow from South Carolina to New Jersey is too small to appear among New Jersey's top origin states. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 4,259 people (±1,887) moving from New Jersey to South Carolina and 1,659 (±867) the other way, a net gain of about 2,600 people for South Carolina beyond the margin of error.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +7,874 (+8%) | 107,653#14 of 50 | 99,779#15 of 50 | +7,874+8% | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +56,458 (+80%) | 127,023#41 of 50 | 70,565#31 of 50 | +56,458+80% | SC |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -48,584 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +29,214#4 of 50 | -48,584 | SC |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -7.2 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +5.2#1 of 50 | -7.2 | SC |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$13,714 (+16%) | $102,190#4 of 50 | $88,476#9 of 50 | +$13,714+16% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$40,159 (+60%) | $106,727#3 of 50 | $66,568#37 of 50 | +$40,159+60% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -15.9 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +12.0#1 of 50 | -15.9 | SC |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey is the better fit for families and outdoor enthusiasts; South Carolina is the better fit for remote workers, young professionals, and small business; 1 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -20 places | #20score 69.6 | #40score 55.8 | -20 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap +3 places | #43score 52.6 | #40score 54 | +3 places | Even |
| Remote WorkersGap +15 places | #49score 29.7 | #34score 48.6 | +15 places | SC |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +25 places | #43score 41.3 | #18score 58.8 | +25 places | SC |
| Small BusinessGap +21 places | #46score 36.8 | #25score 58.4 | +21 places | SC |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -12 places | #35score 34.3 | #47score 26.1 | -12 places | NJ |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesNew Jersey (#20 vs #40)
- RetireesEven (#43 vs #40)
- Remote WorkersSouth Carolina (#34 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsSouth Carolina (#18 vs #43)
- Small BusinessSouth Carolina (#25 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsNew Jersey (#35 vs #47)
Which cities stand out in New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey has 20 tracked cities and South Carolina has 20; the largest are Newark and Charleston. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Newark310,178 people | Charleston154,338 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Hobokenscore 74.2 | Fort Millscore 71 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Clifton166 violent per 100K | Fort Mill30 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Vinelandcost index 96 | Florencecost index 86.8 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 | Greenvillewalkability 13.2 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 | Goose Creekcounty median AQI 35 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate | Fort Mill96% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 | Mount Pleasantmedian income $124,755 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Newark+1.1% growth | Greer+7.3% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do New Jersey and South Carolina compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. New Jersey carries A+ credit rating and South Carolina AA+.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap 0 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 8%#43 of 50 | 0 pts | 29.34% | Even |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -22.6 (-58%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 39.2#37 of 50 | -22.6-58% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +1.3 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 6%#30 of 50 | +1.3 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.6 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.3 min#30 of 50 | +5.6 min | 25.2 min | SC |
| Commuters using public transitGap +9.4 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 0.3%#46 of 50 | +9.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +1.2 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.3%#25 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +1.9 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 92.9%#23 of 50 | +1.9 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -15 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 95#28 of 50 | -15 pts | 92.7 | SC |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -2.6 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 7.8%#38 of 50 | -2.6 pts | 12.39% | SC |
| Pension funded ratioGap -5 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 60%#43 of 50 | -5 pts | 74.3% | SC |
| State debt per capitaGap +$6,220 (+293%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $2,120#11 of 50 | +$6,220+293% | $3,506 | SC |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -3.8 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +4.6%#26 of 50 | -3.8 pts | +4.66% | SC |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; New Jersey A+, South Carolina AA+), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
New Jersey vs South Carolina: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. New Jersey is ahead on 19 of 51, South Carolina on 27, and 5 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | New JerseyNJ | South CarolinaSC | GapNJ−SC | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +3,977,941 (+71%) · US 6.8 million | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | 5.6 million#23 of 50 | +3,977,941+71% | 6.8 million | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap +$31,944 (+44%) · US $80,903 | $104,294#2 of 50 | $72,350#38 of 50 | +$31,944+44% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.7 pts · US 3.95% | 5.2%#46 of 50 | 4.5%#39 of 50 | +0.7 pts | 3.95% | SC |
| Population growthGap -1.02 pts · US +0.51% | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +1.46%#1 of 50 | -1.02 pts | +0.51% | SC |
| GDP per capitaGap +$23,305 (+46%) · US $64,333 | $73,820#9 of 50 | $50,515#47 of 50 | +$23,305+46% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.5 pts · US +1.91% | +2%#24 of 50 | +2.5%#13 of 50 | -0.5 pts | +1.91% | SC |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -194 (-50%) · US 328 | 194#6 of 50 | 388#38 of 50 | -194-50% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -427 (-25%) · US 1,535 | 1,250#12 of 50 | 1,676#36 of 50 | -427-25% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.4 pts · US 85.62% | 85.2%#31 of 50 | 83.8%#34 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 85.62% | NJ |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +3 · US 237 | 240#10 of 50 | 238#27 of 50 | +3 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +14 · US 273 | 282#5 of 50 | 268#39 of 50 | +14 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +7 · US 214 | 222#3 of 50 | 215#24 of 50 | +7 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap +12 · US 257 | 266#2 of 50 | 254#40 of 50 | +12 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap +4.5 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.6#3 of 50 | 75.1#41 of 50 | +4.5 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap -6.9 pts · US 34.03% | 27.7%#4 of 50 | 34.6%#30 of 50 | -6.9 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -1.3 pts · US 7.6% | 7.7%#27 of 50 | 9%#37 of 50 | -1.3 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$274,030 (+89%) · US $368,697 | $580,353#46 of 50 | $306,323#19 of 50 | +$274,030+89% | $368,697 | SC |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.9 pts · US +1.2% | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1%#37 of 50 | +2.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$944 (+60%) · US $1,948 | $2,513#45 of 50 | $1,569#20 of 50 | +$944+60% | $1,948 | SC |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$88,553 (+112%) · US $100,006 | $167,639#47 of 50 | $79,086#14 of 50 | +$88,553+112% | $100,006 | SC |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +15.1 pts (+16%) · US 100 | 108.8#48 of 50 | 93.7#19 of 50 | +15.1 pts+16% | 100 | SC |
| Home value to income ratioGap +1.4x (+33%) · US 4.6x | 5.6x#41 of 50 | 4.2x#23 of 50 | +1.4x+33% | 4.6x | SC |
| Residential electricity priceGap +7.67¢ (+51%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | 14.96¢/kWh#21 of 50 | +7.67¢+51% | 17.84¢/kWh | SC |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$2.70 (-16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | $16.91/Mcf#34 of 50 | -$2.70-16% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.21 (+7%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | $2.99/gal#7 of 50 | +$0.21+7% | $3.32/gal | SC |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +10.8 pts (+11%) · US 100 | 107.1#48 of 50 | 96.3#23 of 50 | +10.8 pts+11% | 100 | SC |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$7,503 (+72%) · US $15,633 | $17,977#35 of 50 | $10,474#6 of 50 | +$7,503+72% | $15,633 | SC |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +2.15 pts · US 8.74% | 10.3%#45 of 50 | 8.15%#15 of 50 | +2.15 pts | 8.74% | SC |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +5.55 pts · US 5.46% | 11.75%#47 of 50 | 6.2%#34 of 50 | +5.55 pts | 5.46% | SC |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +1.8 pts · US 1.02% | 2.33%#50 of 50 | 0.53%#5 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 1.02% | SC |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -0.89 pts · US 6.66% | 6.6%#21 of 50 | 7.49%#33 of 50 | -0.89 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -15 pts · US 92.7 | 80#48 of 50 | 95#28 of 50 | -15 pts | 92.7 | SC |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -2.6 pts · US 12.39% | 5.2%#45 of 50 | 7.8%#38 of 50 | -2.6 pts | 12.39% | SC |
| Pension funded ratioGap -5 pts · US 74.3% | 55%#47 of 50 | 60%#43 of 50 | -5 pts | 74.3% | SC |
| State debt per capitaGap +$6,220 (+293%) · US $3,506 | $8,340#48 of 50 | $2,120#11 of 50 | +$6,220+293% | $3,506 | SC |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -3.8 pts · US +4.66% | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +4.6%#26 of 50 | -3.8 pts | +4.66% | SC |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -4 pts (-9%) · US 38.8 | 40#24 of 50 | 44#46 of 50 | -4 pts-9% | 38.8 | NJ |
| Renewable share of electricityGap 0 pts · US 29.34% | 8%#42 of 50 | 8%#43 of 50 | 0 pts | 29.34% | Even |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -22.6 (-58%) · US 29.6 | 16.6#14 of 50 | 39.2#37 of 50 | -22.6-58% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +1.3 pts · US 17.16% | 7.3%#26 of 50 | 6%#30 of 50 | +1.3 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap +5.6 min · US 25.2 min | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | 26.3 min#30 of 50 | +5.6 min | 25.2 min | SC |
| Commuters using public transitGap +9.4 pts · US 2.29% | 9.7%#2 of 50 | 0.3%#46 of 50 | +9.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +1.2 pts · US 12.28% | 13.5%#19 of 50 | 12.3%#25 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +1.9 pts · US 92.67% | 94.8%#6 of 50 | 92.9%#23 of 50 | +1.9 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap +7,874 (+8%) · US 78,682 | 107,653#14 of 50 | 99,779#15 of 50 | +7,874+8% | 78,682 | NJ |
| Households moving outIRSGap +56,458 (+80%) · US 78,715 | 127,023#41 of 50 | 70,565#31 of 50 | +56,458+80% | 78,715 | SC |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -48,584 · US -33 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +29,214#4 of 50 | -48,584 | -33 | SC |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -7.2 · US +0.4 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +5.2#1 of 50 | -7.2 | +0.4 | SC |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$13,714 (+16%) · US $77,690 | $102,190#4 of 50 | $88,476#9 of 50 | +$13,714+16% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap +$40,159 (+60%) · US $77,024 | $106,727#3 of 50 | $66,568#37 of 50 | +$40,159+60% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -15.9 · US +1.1 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +12.0#1 of 50 | -15.9 | +1.1 | SC |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$45,893 · US -$11,758 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$2,089#8 of 50 | -$45,893 | -$11,758 | SC |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap -$17,906 · US +$31,418 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$34,233#19 of 50 | -$17,906 | +$31,418 | SC |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap -$20,959 · US +$35,970 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$39,460#16 of 50 | -$20,959 | +$35,970 | SC |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the New Jersey and South Carolina numbers say when read together.
New Jersey ranks higher overall
New Jersey leads 6 of the 11 categories to South Carolina's 4, with 1 even; South Carolina is ahead on growth and affordability. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, New Jersey is ahead on 19 and South Carolina on 27.
South Carolina is cheaper day to day
South Carolina's cost of living index is 93.7 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $580,353 in New Jersey and $306,323 in South Carolina. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 a year after typical costs in New Jersey and +$2,089 in South Carolina.
South Carolina takes a smaller share in taxes
New Jersey collects 10.3% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack); South Carolina collects 8.15% (low property tax, with income and sales taxes in the middle of the pack).
New Jersey pays more and is safer
Median household income is $104,294 in New Jersey and $72,350 in South Carolina, with unemployment at 5.2% and 4.5%. Violent crime runs 194 per 100,000 residents in New Jersey and 388 in South Carolina.
People move to South Carolina on net
4,259 people moved to South Carolina from New Jersey in the latest Census release, against 1,659 going the other way.
New Jersey is the better fit for families
For families, New Jersey ranks #20 of 50 and South Carolina #40; for retirees, New Jersey ranks #43 and South Carolina #40.
New Jersey vs South Carolina: frequently asked questions
Is New Jersey or South Carolina better to live in?
New Jersey ranks #28 of 50 overall and South Carolina #36 as of the latest release. South Carolina is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 93.7 vs 108.8), has a 2.2-point lower tax burden, and has a 50% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 4.
Is New Jersey cheaper than South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 93.7 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$43,804 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in New Jersey, and +$2,089 in South Carolina. The typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $306,323 in South Carolina.
Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or South Carolina?
South Carolina has the lower tax burden: 8.15% of income in state and local taxes vs 10.3% in New Jersey. New Jersey's top income tax rate is 11.75%, its effective property tax rate 2.33% and its combined sales tax 6.6%; South Carolina's are 6.2%, 0.53% and 7.49%.
Is New Jersey safer than South Carolina?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 388 in South Carolina, per the FBI. New Jersey ranks #6 of 50 for violent crime and South Carolina #38. Property crime is 1,250 per 100,000 in New Jersey and 1,676 in South Carolina. The safest tracked cities are Clifton, NJ, and Fort Mill, SC.
Are homes more expensive in New Jersey or South Carolina?
Homes are 89% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $580,353 in New Jersey and $306,323 in South Carolina. Buying the typical home takes about $167,639 of household income in New Jersey and $79,086 in South Carolina, against median incomes of $104,294 and $72,350.
Do people earn more in New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $72,350 in South Carolina, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 5.2% in New Jersey and 4.5% in South Carolina.
Are more people moving from New Jersey to South Carolina or from South Carolina to New Jersey?
3,650 households moved from New Jersey to South Carolina in the latest IRS release (average income $106,493); the flow from South Carolina to New Jersey is too small to appear among New Jersey's top origin states. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 4,259 people (±1,887) moving from New Jersey to South Carolina and 1,659 (±867) the other way, a net gain of about 2,600 people for South Carolina beyond the margin of error.
Which is better for retirees, New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey and South Carolina are close for retirees: #43 and #40 of 50 on the retiree index. New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; South Carolina has low property tax, with income and sales taxes in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$18,501 left after typical costs in New Jersey and +$39,460 in South Carolina.
Which is better for families, New Jersey or South Carolina?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #40 for South Carolina. Center-based infant care costs $17,977 a year in New Jersey and $10,474 in South Carolina. High school graduation rates are 85.2% and 83.8%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,804 after typical costs in New Jersey and +$2,089 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina better than New Jersey?
No: New Jersey ranks higher than South Carolina overall, #28 of 50 vs #36, with a composite score of 55 to 49. New Jersey leads 6 of 11 categories and South Carolina leads 4, including growth and affordability. Which is better for you depends on how you weigh cost, safety, schools, taxes and pay.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside New Jersey vs South Carolina.
Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor (3,650 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).