Best Movers From Illinois to South Carolina (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Illinois to South Carolina, you’ll likely pay between $2,074–$5,575 with professional movers, roughly
$2,045 for a moving container, and about
$921
for a rental truck.
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$1,102 — $5,575 Top local mover
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$1,102 — $7,628 Top long-distance mover
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$713 — $3,616 Top container company
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$549 — $1,524 Top truck rental
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$59 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Illinois to South Carolina
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Illinois to South Carolina.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to South Carolina
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 09, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 04, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 29, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 15, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 20, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to South Carolina?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,102 – $3,745 | $713 – $1,840 | $549 – $1,026 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,074 – $5,575 | $1,403 – $2,687 | $599 – $1,243 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,734 – $7,628 | $1,903 – $3,616 | $758 – $1,524 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,102 – $3,745
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,074 – $5,575
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,734 – $7,628
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to South Carolina?
- Small move: $713 – $1,840
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,403 – $2,687
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,903 – $3,616
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $549 – $1,026
- 2–3 bedrooms: $599 – $1,243
- 4+ bedrooms: $758 – $1,524
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 828-mile move from IL to SC using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to SC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 7.46% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 7.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Carolina?
Rent is about 10% lower in South Carolina than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,065
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% higher in South Carolina than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $295,769
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 19% lower in South Carolina than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $63,623
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Carolina?
The cost of living is 7% higher in South Carolina than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 15% lower in South Carolina than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 7.46%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 41% higher in South Carolina than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 7.0%
How is daily life different in South Carolina compared to Illinois?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| South Carolina | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 19.7 |
Will South Carolina feel more crowded than Illinois?
South Carolina is about 57% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: South Carolina is milder on average (33°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Carolina?
Rain: South Carolina gets more rain (48″ vs. 40″).
Snow: South Carolina gets less snow (1 inch vs. 22 inches).
Is South Carolina safer than Illinois?
South Carolina has a higher crime index than Illinois (28.0 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in South Carolina?
Museums in South Carolina
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Brookgreen Gardens
- BMW Zentrum
Parks in South Carolina
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Riverfront Park
Sports teams in South Carolina
- Clemson Tigers (NCAA)
- Augusta GreenJackets (Low-A East)
- Charleston Battery (USL Championship)
- Charleston RiverDogs (Low-A East)
- Columbia Fireflies (Low-A East)
Universities in South Carolina
- Clemson University
- University of South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina
- College of Charleston
- Furman University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to South Carolina move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Carolina?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a South Carolina moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in South Carolina?
You don’t need a moving permit in South Carolina.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
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