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

The southern United States is one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. Residents cite housing affordability, growing job markets, low cost of living, and the warm climate as reasons the area is the perfect place to consider living.

Virginia and South Carolina are two options. Both have Atlantic oceanfronts and popular beach destinations, but each has distinct features that create a different lifestyle. Stack up Virginia vs South Carolina living. These details will help you decide which state to choose.

Virginia vs South Carolina Living Cost

The Sperling Best Places Index helps compare the cost of living for two places. The national average is set at 100. Any score below the national average indicates an area’s goods and services are overall cheaper than the rest of the United States. Conversely, a score above 100 means they are more expensive.

States with a higher population typically have more demand for goods and services. Virginia’s population is about 3.4 million more than South Carolina. It also has a higher overall cost of living, with a score of 101.3.

South Carolina has a smaller population, but it experienced a cost of living change. Its affordability decreased by 7% from 2022 to 2024. It now has an overall score of 97.5.

Still, it beats Virginia in several significant categories, including housing and healthcare. However, Virginia has South Carolina beat when it comes to utilities.

Do keep in mind that a state’s overall cost of living can vary depending on your specific region. Living in Columbia, SC, will be less expensive than living in the resort town of Myrtle Beach, SC. Similarly, Virginia Beach will be more expensive than Petersburg, VA.

Population Growth

Considering a state population’s effect on different aspects of living, it’s helpful to know how quickly a state’s population is growing or declining. A growing state will likely feature a booming economy, new construction housing, and a wide variety of amenities—but you’ll pay more for them. It also signals that costs of goods could increase in response to higher demand. On the other hand, a more rural state will be cheaper to live in, but you may have to travel farther for specialized amenities. That in turn increases costs, like for transportation or healthcare.

As of the 2020 census, Virginia’s population is 8,654,542 strong. It was the 15th fastest-growing state by population, adding over 650,000 new residents between 2010 and 2020. The fastest-growing county in the state is Loundon. Prince William and Fairfax counties are currently the most populous.

South Carolina is less dense than Virginia, at 5,118,425 total residents. Despite adding fewer residents between 2010 and 2020 (only 500,000), South Carolina is growing exponentially faster than Virginia. In fact, from 2022-2023, it was the nation’s fastest-growing state by percentage growth. It added 1.7% to its population over that time from migration. That equates to 90,600 new residents, making it fourth for numeric growth.

Outdoor Recreation

Neither state is lacking when it comes to outdoor activities. Both feature miles upon miles of the Atlantic coastline and beautiful beaches. Inland, you’ll find no shortage of forests and parks with hiking, biking, and everything in between.

Virginia Recreation

Being farther north than South Carolina, Virginia experiences the bounty of all four seasons. Similarly, it features various terrain, from the Blue Ridge Mountains’ rocky peaks to the Chesapeake Bay’s sandy shores. A range of recreational opportunities is available at its 41 state parks, 63 natural areas, and 670 miles of trails.

Water Access

The Chesapeake Bay grants the state much more coastline than its neighbor: a whopping 7,213 miles! Then there are all the watercourses–Virginia has multiple rivers, like the James, Occoquan, Potomac, and New. These waterways attract people for whitewater adventures, flyfishing, and summer tube floats. That, plus over 36 lakes and even more ponds, ensures even the inland areas have fishing, boating, and swimming.

If you’re looking for the luxury of waterfront living and the privacy of a rural area, consider one of the state’s many lakes and reservoirs. With 800 miles of shoreline and two state parks, the John H. Kerr Reservoir is the largest in the state. Other popular lakes for living and recreation include Claytor Lake, Lake Gaston, Lake Anna, and Smith Mountain Lake.

The legendary Virginia Beach completes any discussion of recreation in the state. Featuring resort-quality amenities, entertainment, and dining, the beach is one of the most popular destinations in the state. Other, less crowded options include Cape Charles and Sandbridge.

Parks and Green Spaces

Virginia’s national parks are well-known for their stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Shenandoah National Park is home to Skyline Drive, a long, narrow stretch of road that spans the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s longest park, beginning in Virginia and spanning 469 miles into North Carolina.

Smaller national parks include Great Falls on the banks of the Potomac and Prince William Forest Park, the largest protected area in around Washington, DC.

South Carolina Recreation

South Carolina may surprise you. The common image is of Lowcountry marshes, the Palmetto State rises from the coastal plain into the rolling Piedmont and eventually, the Appalachian foothills. The result is a variety of things to do.

Water Activities

The Blue Ridge Mountains extend south through North Carolina and into the northwest region of South Carolina. Discover a rolling countryside in the Upstate with lands for hiking, bouldering, and backpacking. Find a region of beautiful waterfalls that feed rivers like the Chattooga, where people come for whitewater rafting and kayaking.

These rivers feed lakes and reservoirs, like the state’s largest lake, Lake Marion. This massive reservoir, called an “inland sea,” features 315 miles of shoreline and spans over 100,000 acres of land. There’s no shortage of swimming, fishing, boating, and more.

All these rivers–the Pee Dee, Catawba, and Ashley–run down to the coastline. Myrtle Beach is part of a much longer, 60-mile-long shoreline called The Grand Strand. Thanks to its Boardwalk and those golden sands, it’s a famous vacation destination. The summer months are packed with beachgoers seeking an escape. But the coastline also includes the Sea Islands, like Pawleys Island and Hilton Head, where the coastal lifestyle is second to none.

Parks and Forests

If you prefer drier recreational activities, South Carolina has you covered with its 47 state parks and over 300 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Some of the state’s notable parks include:

• Congaree National Park, home to the tallest trees in the Eastern United States
• Hunting Island State Park, the most-visited state park
• Table Rock State Park, featuring over 15 miles of trails throughout 356 acres of land.

These parks span from essential habitates in the Lowcountry out to the Upstate. The state is a true treasure for hunting, mountain biking, and hikes through the countryside.

Besides the beachfront, the Grand Strand is known for its world-class golfing. There are over 100 golf courses in the greater area. Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island has world-famous 18-hole courses has and hosts several PGA tournaments.

No discussion of South Carolina recreation would be complete without mentioning Myrtle Beach. Not only is it one of the biggest tourism centers in the country, but it’s also the second-fastest growing metro area in the United States! It’s easy to see why: it is home to countless shops, malls, theaters, parks, restaurants, and, obviously, miles of beaches.

City Living

Aside from ample rural living and recreation opportunities, both states have urban areas that might be more appealing to you. City living can be fun, with its easier access to entertainment, health care, job opportunities, and schools. When looking at Virginia vs South Carolina living, here are some of their largest ciities.

Virginia Cities

With a population of 463,766, Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia. Aside from many outdoor recreational opportunities, the city is also home to plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including its world-famous, three-mile-long boardwalk. Hang out for a festival at Neptune Festival Park or check out several museums and bars. The city hosts the yearly East Coast Surfing Championships and the American Sand Soccer Championship.

Second to Virginia Beach is the independent city of Chesapeake, with a population of around 249,000. Stretching over a vast 351 square miles, it is one of the most expansive cities by land in the country. In 2011, Chesapeake ranked 21st in Businessweek’s Best Cities in the Country list.

Virginia’s capital, Richmond, is the third-most populous city in the state. It is home to Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond, as well as eight Fortune 500 companies, including Carmax and Universal.

One thing that’s not obvious if you look at individual municipal populations to judge size is the suburbs of Washington, DC. Northern Virginia is part of the DC-Maryland-Virginia, or DMV, metro. As a region, it’s the most populous part of the state. Over 3.2 million people call suburbs like Alexandaria, Falls Church, and Manassas home.

South Carolina Cities

The largest city in South Carolina is Charleston, with around 150,000 residents. Its downtown area features stunning views of the harbor thanks to its peninsula location. The city is steeped in history and known for its unique combination of French, English, West African, and Southern US cultures. It is home to several colleges and universities, including the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, and the Charleston School of Law, among others. Historical landmarks include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Fort Sumter National Park.

South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, is its second most populous city. As of the 2020 census, it is home to 136,632 people. The city is known for several nearby military facilities, including the largest Army Basic Combat Training installation, Fort Jackson. Columbia also has a thriving entertainment industry, with notable stage theatres and cinemas calling the city their home. The state’s public university, the University of South Carolina, is in the town.

In the Upstate, there are growing suburbs that are extensions of the Charlotte metro across the border in North Carolina. These include the towns of Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and York.

Education

According to the US News and World Report, Virginia sits in 9th place for public K-12 schools. Conversely, South Carolina is one of the lowest-ranked states in the nation in K-12 schools at 41st.

Virginia is ranked 20th in higher education. That might sound impressive, but look at the individual colleges. Virginia has its fair share of well-known universities and colleges, like the College of William and Mary, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia.

Again, South Carolina comes up short in higher education, in 43rd place. The largest university in the state is the University of South Carolina, with Clemson University, Trident Technical College, and Greenville Technical College not far behind.

Job Markets

Virginia’s strength is its diverse economic opportunities. Manufacturing, Utilities, Transportation, Trade, Information, Professional and Business Services, and Leisure and Hospitality are the top industries in Virginia. The state’s top employers are all in the Fortune 500, including Markel, Dominion Energy, CarMax, Altria Group, and Performance Food Group. Because of its diverse job market, and stable employment areas like federal government work, education, and healthcare, the Virginia unemployment rate fell well under the national average of 4.3% in July 2024, reporting 2.7%.

South Carolina’s unemployment rate remains below the national average at 3.9%. The top industries are Trade, Transportation, Utilities, Leisure and Hospitality, Government, Manufacturing, Financial, Professional and Business Services, Education and Health Services, and Information. Where these industries thrive depends on where they are; the coastline sees ample hospitality work, while the Upstate has a strong manufacturing presence.

Both states levy an individual income tax. They are graduated income taxes. In Virginia, rates range from 2-5.75%, while in South Carolina, it can be as high as 6.4%.

Virginia vs South Carolina Real Estate Taxes

In both states, property taxes will vary depending on your municipality. Properties are regularly assessed at market values depending on the state and county’s reappraisal schedule, and the amount of tax owners are required to pay is based on this appraisal.

Property taxes in Virginia are well below the national average, with one mil equaling $0.86 per $100 of appraised value. All homes are taxed at 100% of assessed value, and most counties or municipalities charge taxes twice a year. Additionally, disabled and elderly residents (65 or older) qualify for 50-100% tax exemptions, depending on their income.

In South Carolina, property owners are taxed at 6% market value unless they apply for a primary home resident rate with their county, which brings it to 4%. County and town property tax rates can vary but average around 0.57%. South Carolina’s average effective property tax rate of 0.57% ranked it sixth in the nation.

Taxes for Retirees

In Virginia, retiree income tax is 5%, with pension income and retirement account withdrawals only partially taxed. The good news is that social security is not taxed. The state also offers an age-based tax deduction. Residents born on or before January 1st, 1939, can subtract a flat $12,000 from their taxable income. Residents born after can subtract an amount based on their income.

Conversely, retirement account withdrawals are subject to South Carolina and federal taxes. Public pension income is also taxed, although private is only partially taxed or may be exempt. There are no taxes on social security in South Carolina. In 2023, $10,000 in pension or IRA retirement income can be deducted, and up to $15,000 in state taxes. Additionally, elderly homeowners can qualify for a $50,000 homestead exemption if the property has been their residence for one year.

Climate

East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s eastern edge sees a primarily subtropical climate. Compared to other southern states, the winter months report colder temperatures due to its more northern latitude. Averages in the winter reach as low as 25F. Summers in Virginia are also comparatively milder, with highs averaging in the mid-80Fs.

The humid continental climate west of the Blue Ridge Mountains sees drier, harsher seasons. The rest of the state has its fair share of snowstorms caused by cold-air damming in the Appalachians, this region experiences the most snowfall in Virginia. Overall, winter conditions vary wildly. Snow averages only 10 inches per year for the state.

Also common in Virginia are thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly during spring and summer. Tropical storms are at risk of landing on the east coast.

Considering the state is much farther south, it should be no surprise that most of South Carolina is significantly hotter than Virginia. Ranking as the eighth hottest state in the country, it can be seen that temperatures average in the low to mid 90Fs during the summer months. Layer on humidity, and you’ve got heat indexes sweltering over 100F in peak summer.

The tradeoff is milder winters. The southern regions average only a trace to two inches of snow. Sullivans Island has reported just eight snow events greater than 0.1 inches since record-keeping began. Walhalla in the Upstate has 73 snow events, and 62% of each year, it has seen some snow. Still, these snowfalls measure in inches and tend not to stick around long.

Like Virginia, the state is prone to thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Coastal areas are more vulnerable to tropical events, even if the storms do not make landfall.

Sports

Virginia is the largest US state without any major league team to call its own. However, several minor-league professional teams call the state home, including the Richmond Elite (basketball), the Richmond Flying Squirrels (baseball), and the Loudon United FC soccer league. Virginia also hosts two major-league teams representing Washington, DC: the Capitals (NHL) and the Commanders (NFL).

Similarly, South Carolina has no major-league sports teams. Residents tend to follow North Carolina’s teams, including the Hurricanes (NHL) and the Hornets (NBA). College football is popular through the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks and Clemson University Tigers.

Southern Hospitality and Culture

These two states are well-known for exemplifying the charm and hospitality so commonly associated with the American south. Southerners are well-known for their strong sense of tradition, community, and small-town pride. You will undoubtedly find friendly, hospitable, and welcoming residents in both states.

Being farther north, some may prefer the eclectic mix of cultures found in Virginia, which is partially influenced by its northeastern neighbors and proximity to Washington, DC. North Carolina has a significant influence here, and you’ll find some of the state’s world-famous vinegar-based BBQ in Virginia. Another famous flavor from this region is Old Bay seasoning, found in many seafood dishes in the Chesapeake Bay.

South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the friendliest places in America. It is growing faster than Virginia and shows no signs of slowing down. It is also home to a strong entertainment industry, and many major Hollywood films are shot in and around the region.

Choosing Between Virginia vs South Carolina Living

As you can see, both Virginia and South Carolina offer a variety of desirable living opportunities. Which state you prefer will all come down to the fine details and cultural influences you seek.

Make sure you do plenty of research before purchasing a new property in any state. We recommend that you contact a local real estate agent to explore your options.