Maine vs South Carolina: taxes, cost of living, laws
Maine
High tax burden · COL index 107
Wins 7 categories
South Carolina
Moderate tax burden · COL index 93
Wins 9 categories
Cost of living in Maine (index 107) runs 15% higher than South Carolina (index 93). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Maine averages 1.04% annually vs South Carolina's 0.43%. Politically, South Carolina voted Republican in 2024 (R+13.0) while Maine went Democratic (D+6.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
7
Maine
9
South Carolina
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Is it cheaper to live in Maine or South Carolina?
Overall cost of living in Columbia, SC is 21.0% lower than in Portland, ME. The average listing price for a home in Columbia, SC is $348,909, which is 42.8% lower than Portland, ME. The average cost of groceries in Columbia, SC is 2.6% lower than Portland, ME.
Where are most people moving to in SC?
What are the pros and cons of living in Maine?
Which state is better to retire in, NC or SC?
Taxes: Keep More of Your Retirement Income Property Taxes: SC typically has lower property taxes. For detailed guidance, check how property taxes work in South Carolina and how property taxes work in North Carolina. Sales Tax: Both states have similar rates, but local additions vary.