When relocating from Arkansas to South Carolina, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,177 to
$5,569, roughly
$1,947 for a container move, and close to
$793
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Arkansas 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 | $1,181 – $3,501 | $676 – $1,786 | $498 – $932 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,177 – $5,569 | $1,318 – $2,577 | $543 – $1,043 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,993 – $7,458 | $1,780 – $3,311 | $632 – $1,367 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,181 – $3,501
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,177 – $5,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,993 – $7,458
How much do moving containers cost from Arkansas to South Carolina?
- Small move: $676 – $1,786
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,318 – $2,577
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,780 – $3,311
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $498 – $932
- 2–3 bedrooms: $543 – $1,043
- 4+ bedrooms: $632 – $1,367
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 699-mile move from AR to SC using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 AR to SC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Arkansas | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $868 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $208,078 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $56,335 | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 9.51% | 7.46% |
| State income tax | 2.0% | 7.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Carolina?
Rent is about 23% higher in South Carolina than in Arkansas.
Avg rent: $868 vs. $1,065
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 42% higher in South Carolina than in Arkansas.
Avg home value: $208,078 vs. $295,769
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 13% higher in South Carolina than in Arkansas.
Avg income (per capita): $56,335 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 Arkansas.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 22% lower in South Carolina than in Arkansas.
Avg sales tax: 9.51% vs. 7.46%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 250% higher in South Carolina than in Arkansas.
State income tax: 2.0% vs. 7.0%
How is daily life different in South Carolina compared to Arkansas?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| South Carolina | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 3,067,732 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 4″ |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 30.97 |
Will South Carolina feel more crowded than Arkansas?
South Carolina is about 75% more populous than Arkansas — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Arkansas and South Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (33°F vs. 28°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Carolina?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (48″ vs. 50″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (1 inch vs. 4 inches).
Is South Carolina safer than Arkansas?
South Carolina has a lower crime index than Arkansas (28.0 vs. 30.97), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
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 Arkansas to South Carolina move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a South Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in South Carolina, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Carolina?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
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?
No moving permit is required in South Carolina, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) 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.
Some movers in Arkansas offer discounts: 1 military discounts; 1 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Arkansas routes
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