South Carolina vs. Georgia: Which is the Better State?

People are flocking to the Sunbelt, the stretch of states in the southern United States. And why? It depends, but generally, the reasons include its more affordable cost of living, better climate, and job migration. Georgia and South Carolina are two popular states for people to move to. Both share a reputation for southern culture and hospitality. Just think what comes to mind when you hear “Savannah” and “Charleston.”

When deciding between Georgia vs. South Carolina to live in, it depends on your priorities. These cousins have some similarities, but each has unique characteristics that may lead you to prefer one over the other. Let’s compare South Carolina to Georgia.

Cost of Living

If a more affordable cost of living matters, both states come below the national indexed average of 100. So which one is better? The following chart shows that South Carolina may be the better choice based on overall scores. It’s overall 11% lower than the national spending average. Regarding median home prices, it beats Georgia by six points, and in transportation, by almost 19%.

However, Georgia’s healthcare costs were more affordable than South Carolina’s. All other spending categories were relatively on par with each other.

You also need to consider how population plays a role; the more people in an area, the higher the demand for goods and services. Location can equally impact the cost of living; South Carolina has more coastline, but Georgia has a larger concentrated metro area.

The cost of living can vary widely based on what region you live in. For example, living on Hilton Head Island, SC, will be more costly than living in Columbia, SC. The same is valid for Myrtle Beach, SC, versus Macon, GA. Median home prices can make a big difference in your overall living expenses. Don’t let the cost of living be your determining factor between the states. Narrow down the geographic regions, then run your comparison.

Population Growth

Population growth is definitely two-sided. On the one hand, increasing population means a strong economy, new construction housing, and more amenities. On the downside, it also means rising prices, more urbanized development, and a higher cost of living. Whether population growth is good or bad is in the eyes of the beholder.

In 2024, South Carolina leaped to take the nation’s top spot for population growth. The state expanded by 1.71%. However, by actual number, Florida added more people.

Georgia is no slouch when it comes to growth. From 2010 to 2020, it added 1.1M residents, and in 2023, it added another 1%, ranking ninth nationally for growth.

South Carolina added a little over 500,000 residents from 2010 to 2020. In total, it had 5,280,000 residents. That makes for an overall less densely populated state.

One thing worth noting about Georgia vs. South Carolina to live is where the people are in the states. Georgia is a larger state by area, but most residents live in 27 counties around the Atlanta metro– 6.9 residents of a total 10.9 million. South Carolina, by contrast, has about half of Georgia’s total population and spreads it out more across the state. The largest metro area, Greenville, SC, had 928,000 residents out of a total of 5.1 million.

Education

Georgia and South Carolina have made great strides in education in recent years. Both operate similarly, with elected school boards and superintendents. To help you with comparing the two states, here’s a look at some basic data* on public school systems.

 *Figures are from 2022-2023 unless noted.

**Figures are from 2019.

***Figures reflect 2023-2024 estimated total from federal, state, and local per pupil spending.

Many colleges and universities provide higher education opportunities in both states. Some high performing choices in Georgia include:

• Emory University, ranked no. 24 in the nation for 2024
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), ranked no. 33 nationally
• University of Georgia, ranked no. 47 nationally
• Mercer University
• Georgia State University
• Spelman College, no. 39 nationally ranked liberal arts college
• Morehouse College, a traditional HBCU, ranked no. 100 of liberal arts colleges

The best ranking colleges and universities in South Carolina are:

• Clemson University, ranked no. 86 nationally
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
• The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, ranked no. of Southern region Universities
• University of South Carolina, ranked no. 164 nationally
• Furman University, ranked no. 46 of liberal arts colleges
• Wofford College, ranked no. 59 of liberal arts colleges

As you can see, both states offer many public and private higher education options.

Outdoor Recreation

Each state offers unique outdoor activities. The Appalachian Mountains start in Georgia, while South Carolina boasts beautiful lakefront living and stunning beaches.

Activities in Georgia

The Georgia landscape changes from the Atlantic Ocean to mountains, streams, and everything between. The Appalachian Mountains and the central High Country provide a beautiful backdrop for all your Georgia outdoor adventures. The Appalachian Trail kicks off in the northeast at Springer Mountain. Over 60 state parks and preserves, including the popular Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, are outdoor places to explore. Activities at the parks include fly-fishing, hiking, and hunting.

The rolling midland hills are a hunter’s paradise. Prize deer and game live in pine forests and clay soils, while bass and catfish await your lures in lakes and rivers. These waters are calm areas for water sports.

Cumberland Island is by the ocean, where the horses roam wild. Georgia’s Sea Islands, like Tybee and Jekyll, are loved by people seeking a waterfront getaway.

Activities in South Carolina

South Carolina may be better suited for those who enjoy water activities. With nearly 200 miles of coastline, including the famous “Grand Strand” and ten state scenic rivers, there’s endless opportunity for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more. The Lowcountry marshes are essential bird flyways and fishing habitats. Over 100 miles of waterways are designated blueway trails or scenic rivers. Meanwhile, Lake Marion is just one of the expansive lakes and reservoirs with waterfront living and recreation access.

That’s not to say South Carolina doesn’t have hills. The Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountain foothills create the Upstate region. Here, you have whitewater rafting, bouldering, hiking, and backpacking trails.

The Grand Strand is world famous for its golfing. With over 100 golf courses concentrated around the Myrtle Beach metro, it’s hard to resist a game or two (or three).

So, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, consider which outdoor activities you enjoy the most. That will help when trying to decide between living in Georgia or South Carolina

Major City Living

Life in a big city has a lot of perks: museums, live music, art districts, imaginative dining, craft breweries, professional sports, and much, much more. If that’s what you want, Atlanta in Georgia or Charleston in South Carolina may be perfect for you.

Nearly 500,000 people live within the city limits of Atlanta, while several million call its suburbs home. Many Fortune 500 companies have headquarters in Georgia’s capital, including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and UPS. The city’s museums, interconnected parks, professional sports teams, music scene, creative restaurants, and attractions will keep you busy all year round. Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Park, and the World of Coca-Cola are a few of the famous sites.

Charleston is South Carolina’s largest city. Just over 150,000 people live in this historic city, with more in surrounding suburbs like North Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Unlike Atlanta, it’s a coastal city. Residents have stunning harbor views from its peninsula. The downtown’s historic buildings and cobblestone streets add to its southern charm and character. Besides its downtown district and its colleges and universities, people come to visit attractions like Fort Sumter National Monument and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

Hot and Steamy Climate

When it comes to southern weather, both states generally share humid, subtropical conditions. That creates mild winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn tend to be their best seasons to be outdoors.

Georgia tends to report higher humidity than South Carolina. In southern Georgia, daytime temperatures can exceed 95F in the summer, making it the fifth hottest state. The Atlantic impacts the climate in the southern and eastern regions. The Hill Country and Blue Ridge Mountains benefit from higher elevations and cooler temperatures. Even so, winters tend to be short, with little snowfall. The state as a whole typically sees 45-75 inches of rain. It can be impacted by tropical weather and tornadoes.

South Carolina still has the humid summers, and it ranks as the country’s eighth hottest state. Summers typically see thunderstorms in the afternoon, with July average temperatures peaking at 92F. Temperatures are milder in the Upstate region, where the Blue Ridge Mountains and elevation moderate the climate.

The state receives between 40 to 80 inches of rain. It’s also at risk for direct hits from Atlantic hurricanes and cyclones.

Real Estate Taxes

Property taxes are relatively similar between the two states. But the winner is South Carolina, where the 2024 median property tax rate of 0.57% placed it sixth nationally.

South Carolina assesses property taxes at 4% market value for primary residents. Homeowners must apply for this primary home rate with their county assessor; otherwise, they are charged 6% of the property value. Any non-primary residential homes are assessed at a higher value.

Property taxes are set by the county and administered by their tax administration. Municipalities may also charge a property tax rate. You’ll want to look at the tax rates for the specific county and town you want to live in.

Georgia property taxes are assessed at 40% of the property’s assessed value. Homeowners can qualify for a $2,000 homestead exemption for a primary residence. Tax rates are set each year by the local Board of County Commissioners. One mil equals $1 per every $1,000 in value, or $0.001. The median average effective tax rate was 0.92% in 2024.

Taxes for Retirees

Is Georgia or South Carolina better for retirees? For those on a fixed income, every dollar spent matters. After years of working and paying taxes, many retirees look to relocate to a state with more favorable tax laws for seniors.

Georgia is generally more favorable than South Carolina. Bankrate said it was the best state for retirees in 2021, but it has since dropped to 15th nationally. Part of the reason retirees favored Georgia was its tax regulations. Social Security benefits are not taxed. There is a maximum deduction of $65,000 on all types of retirement income for those 65 and older. So if your annual income from all sources is less than $65,000, you won’t pay state individual income taxes. In addition, those 65 and older can double the homestead exemption if their annual income does not exceed $10,000.

Georgia residents age 62 and older can take advantage of a partial exemption on all property value accrued after a “base year.” That year is established when someone 62 or older applies for the exemption. Once that base year is established, homeowners are taxed at the base year home value, even if it gains appreciated value. Household income must not exceed $30,000 to qualify.

In South Carolina, Social Security benefits are also not taxed. However, pension income from public sources is subject to taxation, while private pension income may be exempt depending on the amount withdrawn. Withdrawals from retirement accounts are also subject to state and federal taxes. You can deduct $10,000 in retirement income from pensions and IRAs and up to $15,000 in state taxes. The state also has no inheritance or estate tax.

South Carolina homeowners 65 and older may qualify for a homestead exemption of $50,000 off fair market value if they have lived in the home as a primary residence for at least one year.

Bankrate placed South Carolina as no. 19 on its best states for retirees in 2024.

Growing Job Markets

Part of your decision to look at Georgia vs. South Carolina to live in may be the employment opportunities. The job market is strong in both, and each has enough variety of industries to appeal to those working. Looking at all fundamentals, Georgia’s job market has a sligh advantage over South Carolina. However, the Palmetto State ranked third nationally in 2024 for job growth, showing its economy and opportunities are picking up steam.

In June 2024, the unemployment rate in Georgia was 3.1%. That’s lower than it was before the pandemic. It further has strong representation across multiple sectors, with the top five industries being transportation, manufacturing, information technology, education, and health care. Georgia’s also known for its media and film industry. Significant employers by size in Georgia include Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and UPS.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate was 3.2% in June 2024. Agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, and tourism drive the state’s economy. Major employers in South Carolina include BMW Manufacturing Company, Boeing South Carolina, Michelin North America Inc., and Walmart.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the Georgia and South Carolina job market:

Sets of figures are from June 2024.

* From Workforce Trends from 2018 to 2028

** A state projection for 2020 to 2030

Professional Sports

Georgia and South Carolina have strong college sports programs. The University of Georgia (UGA) Bulldogs and the University of South Carolina (SC) Gamecocks have a long-standing rivalry in football, basketball, and other sports.

The UGA Bulldogs football team won national championships in 1942 and 1980. They have also won 14 conference championships, the most recent being in 2017. The team plays its home games at Sanford Stadium, which has a capacity of 92,746.

The SC Gamecocks football team has not won a national or conference championship. However, the team did win 11 straight bowl games from 2006 to 2016, the longest streak in NCAA history. The team plays its home games at Williams-Brice Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,250.

When it comes to professional sports, Georgia has the Atlanta Braves (MLB), the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and the Atlanta United FC (MLS). South Carolina does not have any professional sports teams. Residents tend to root for North Carolina teams like the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) or Carolina Bobcats (NBA).

Southern hospitality

People in the South are generally known for being friendly, hospitable, and welcoming. They are also known for their sense of community and tradition. Some traditions unique to the South include eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck, attending church on Sundays, and spending time with family. Southern hospitality is often considered to be one of the best things about living in the South.

Being in the Deep South, Georgia and South Carolina are known for their Southern hospitality and charm. However, some say that Georgia has a more genuine form of Southern hospitality. Others give the win to South Carolina. Condé Nast Traveler ranked Greenville, SC, the friendliest city in the US in 2022, with Charleston coming in at no. 5. No Georgia cities made their list.

Looking Georgia Vs South Carolina To Live

So, which state is the winner? It depends on what you’re looking for! Both can be considered affordable, and they each have strong job markets. Georgia may be the better choice if you’re looking for a more urban lifestyle with lots of entertainment and lifestyle amenities. However, South Carolina may be the better choice if you’re looking for a state with more room to spread out, lots of waterfront living choices, and low property taxes. It probably will come down to which geographical regions you look at with a local real estate expert.