South Carolina vs North Carolina: Vehicle Registration Cost Comparison
Comparing what the same vehicles cost to register each year in South Carolina versus North Carolina, computed from both states' current official fee schedules:
| Scenario | South Carolina | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| New $45k gas SUV | $663.00/yr | $245.25/yr |
| 3-yr-old $35k gas car | $385.00/yr | $159.25/yr |
| New $55k EV | $805.00/yr | $503.75/yr |
| 10-yr-old $8k car | $104.00/yr | $72.25/yr |
For most vehicles, North Carolina is the cheaper state to register in — though the gap varies a lot by vehicle value and age. Keep in mind annual registration is only part of the picture: sales/excise taxes at purchase, insurance, and local property taxes on vehicles can outweigh the registration difference.
South Carolina in short
South Carolina registration is $40 per two-year cycle, but you must pay your county's annual vehicle property tax first — the car's value assessed at 6%, times your county's total millage (county + school + city). Pick your county and enter your MSRP for the bill. A one-time 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee ($500 cap) applies at purchase.
North Carolina in short
North Carolina's registration fee is $46.25/yr, but the 'Tag & Tax Together' program collects your county's vehicle property tax with it — the car's full value times the county rate (about $0.31–$0.73 per $100). Pick your county and enter your MSRP for the combined bill. City residents pay county + city. EVs add $214.50/yr.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://dmv.sc.gov/fees · https://www.sccounties.org/property-tax-rates-county — last reviewed 2026-07-21.