Moving To State • South Carolina

Moving to South Carolina: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Planning a move to South Carolina? You’re in good company. The Palmetto State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of Charleston or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.

South Carolina has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to South Carolina so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the South Carolina information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to SC
Top car shippers to SC
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in South Carolina

Relocating to South Carolina has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Palmetto State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in South Carolina

✓Warm southern hospitality
✓Plentiful outdoor activities
✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Consistently gorgeous weather
✓Rich historical significance

Cons of living in South Carolina

✖High cost of living
✖Hurricane frequency
✖Low quality of healthcare
✖High taxes
✖Abundance of construction

Things to do in South Carolina

Whether you’re moving to South Carolina for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, South Carolina has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in South Carolina

Charleston’s Historic District
Myrtle Beach
Hilton Head Island
Brookgreen Gardens
Middleton Place
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Huntington Beach State Park
Fort Sumter National Monument

Museums in South Carolina

Fort Sumter National Monument
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Coastal Discovery Museum
Brookgreen Gardens
BMW Zentrum
Nathaniel Russell House
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Hollywood Wax Museum
Old Slave Mart Museum
The Charleston Museum

Parks in South Carolina

Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Falls Park on the Reedy
Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Riverfront Park
Shem Creek Park
Folly Field Beach Park
James Island County Park
Florence Veterans Park
Shelter Cove Towne Centre

Fun facts about South Carolina

Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.

Discovering these fun facts about South Carolina gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.

The state was named after the King Charles I and King Charles II of England.
The nickname of the state “Palmetto State” originates from the fact that during the Revolutionary War, colonists at Fort Moultrie, a small fort built from palmetto trees, defeated a British fleet near Charleston in 1776.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Carolina is second to California in overall peach production.
South Carolina fought 137 battles during the Revolutionary War. The last of these battles happened on November 14, 1782 on Johns Island.
South Carolina’s state reptile, the loggerhead turtle can live for fifty years in the wild and it can weigh up to 400 pounds.
The first tea farm in the U.S. was created in 1890 near Summerville.
The first shot of the Civil War was fired on Fort Sumter in 1861.
wo of the most important battles in the history of the United States were fought in South Carolina – the Battle of King’s Mountains and the Civil War.
At 1,200 acres, the world’s largest Gingko farm is in Sumter.
Fort Jackson, the largest United States Army installation for Basic Combat Training is in Columbia, South Carolina.
Charles Town, the site of the first European settlement was renamed to Charleston in 1783.
The Palmetto tree is the official state tree of South Carolina.

South Carolina population and demographics

Thinking about moving to South Carolina? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Palmetto State really feels like.

Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.

Getting to know who lives in South Carolina, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.

Metric	South Carolina
Population	5,373,555
Female	51.4%
Male	48.6%
College graduation rate	31.53%
Political leaning	Republican 58-42
Crime index	28.0

South Carolina weather

Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if South Carolina is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.

Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know South Carolina’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Metric	South Carolina
Summer high	91ºF
Winter low	33ºF
Annual rain	48″
Annual snow	1″

Income and cost of living in South Carolina

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in South Carolina really is.

Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what South Carolina offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($38.4 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($29.2 billion)
Professional and business services ($25.6 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($17.1 billion)
Retail trade ($15.4 billion)
Wholesale trade ($13.4 billion)
Construction ($12 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($11.2 billion)
Finance and insurance ($11 billion)
Information ($6.6 billion)

Metric	South Carolina
Average rent cost	$1,065
Average home cost	$295,769
Average income (per capita)	$63,623
Cost of living index*	96
Unemployment rate	4.7%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	7.0%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in South Carolina

If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what South Carolina has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in South Carolina:

Clemson University
University of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina
College of Charleston
Furman University
Coastal Carolina University
Winthrop University
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
Lander University
Bob Jones University
Wofford College
South Carolina State University
Voorhees College
Charleston Southern University
University of South Carolina-Upstate

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to South Carolina

After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 49 right here in South Carolina—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.

If you’re getting ready to move to the Palmetto State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.

Cost of moving to South Carolina

Before you head to South Carolina, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.

How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.

If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.

Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to South Carolina

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to South Carolina.

South Carolina car insurance requirements

In South Carolina, all drivers must carry liability insurance. The state requires minimum coverage of 25/50/25, which means you need at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Make sure you meet these insurance requirements to drive legally and confidently in South Carolina.

South Carolina drivers license requirements

If you move to South Carolina, you must get a South Carolina driver’s license within 90 days of becoming a resident.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to South Carolina?

Moving to South Carolina is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if South Carolina is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to South Carolina?

On the cost of living index, South Carolina has a score of 96. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in South Carolina?

The average income in SC is $63,623, and the an unemployment rate is 4.7. Home prices are $295,769, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,065.

What is the downside of living in South Carolina?

Like any place, South Carolina has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Palmetto State include:

High cost of living
Hurricane frequency
Low quality of healthcare
High taxes
Abundance of construction

South Carolina Moving Resources

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