Best Movers From Iowa to South Carolina (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from Iowa to South Carolina, professional movers typically run between
$2,496 and $5,935, a moving container averages about
$2,114, and a rental truck is around
$1,114.
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$1,189 — $5,935 Top local mover
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$1,189 — $8,113 Top long-distance mover
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$845 — $3,872 Top container company
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$661 — $1,836 Top truck rental
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$60 — $81/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 Iowa to South Carolina
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Iowa to South Carolina.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to South Carolina
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
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2 Bedrooms
Nov 22, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 11, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 09, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 09, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 13, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa 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 | $1,189 – $4,770 | $845 – $2,063 | $661 – $1,320 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,496 – $5,935 | $1,411 – $2,817 | $765 – $1,463 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,022 – $8,113 | $2,046 – $3,872 | $870 – $1,836 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,189 – $4,770
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,496 – $5,935
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,022 – $8,113
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to South Carolina?
- Small move: $845 – $2,063
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,411 – $2,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,046 – $3,872
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $661 – $1,320
- 2–3 bedrooms: $765 – $1,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $870 – $1,836
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 1,084-mile move from IA 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 IA to SC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 7.46% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 7.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Carolina?
Rent is about 17% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,065
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 34% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $295,769
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 10% lower in South Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $63,623
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Carolina?
The cost of living is 8% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 7% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 7.46%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 59% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 7.0%
How is daily life different in South Carolina compared to Iowa?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| South Carolina | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 16.18 |
Will South Carolina feel more crowded than Iowa?
South Carolina is about 68% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and South Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: South Carolina is hotter on average (91°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: South Carolina is milder on average (33°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Carolina?
Rain: South Carolina gets more rain (48″ vs. 35″).
Snow: South Carolina gets less snow (1 inch vs. 30 inches).
Is South Carolina safer than Iowa?
South Carolina has a higher crime index than Iowa (28.0 vs. 16.18). 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 Iowa to South Carolina move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a South Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. 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 moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Carolina?
Some cities require 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?
South Carolina does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. 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 Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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