($1,457) Cost of Moving From Illinois to South Carolina
Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to South Carolina ranges from $777 to $6,539 and takes two–seven days. The biggest cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
|
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from South Carolina to Illinois guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Illinois to South Carolina full-service movers
Moving from Illinois to South Carolina? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Illinois for your relocation to South Carolina:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Illinois
Finding a trustworthy local moving company can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in Illinois based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1308599
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077STI Moving & Storage Inc., serving Skokie, IL since 2004, has established itself as a reputable choice for local residential moving. Standing out from competitors, STI boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.7 from over 1000 reviews and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items and antiques. With a competitive rate of $150 per hour and options for full valuation insurance coverage, they cater to a variety of moving needs, ensuring peace of mind for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1308599
- State license #: 139020
Alternative Business Names
- STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
The Professionals Moving Specialists
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 3383907
Years in Business: 20
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618The Professionals Moving Specialists, serving Chicago, IL, since 2005, are a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive 4.6 average rating from 1013 Yelp reviews and a perfect 5.0 from 3993 Google My Business reviews, they stand out as a top choice compared to other area movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, as well as the ability to move specialized items such as pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Known for their customer satisfaction and comprehensive services, The Professionals Moving Specialists are well-equipped to handle all local moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3383907
- State license #: 136144
Local Associations
Move-tastic
rating
4.9 / 5
Years in Business: 16
3100 N. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60641Move-tastic, a reputable local moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been delivering exceptional residential moving services since 2009. Comparing favorably to other nearby movers, Move-tastic stands out with over 2,000 positive reviews, boasting an impressive 4.6 Yelp rating and a stellar 4.9 on Google, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their comprehensive service offerings include packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they also provide labor-only services. Move-tastic secures customer trust by accepting both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a reliable and convenient choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- State license #: 158678
Local Associations
New City Moving
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 3078026
Years in Business: 16
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618New City Moving, a reputable moving company based in Chicago, IL, has been providing local residential moving services since 2010. With an impressive 4.7 average rating from 1,096 Yelp reviews and a 4.8 average rating from 2,393 Google reviews, they stand out among nearby movers. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, New City Moving offers office moving, packing, and unpacking services, along with full valuation insurance coverage. They accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible payment process.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3078026
- State license #: 158051
Alternative Business Names
- Windy City Moving, Inc.
H2H Movers Inc
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2428328
Years in Business: 10
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL 60613H2H Movers Inc, established in 2015, is a highly reputable local moving company serving the Chicago, IL area. Specializing in residential moves, H2H Movers also offers a range of services including office moving, packing and unpacking, as well as specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 1556 reviews and a solid 4.3 from 371 reviews on Yelp, they outshine many other local competitors. Their A- rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reliability. Customers can pay via cash or credit card, and although a deposit is required, full valuation insurance coverage is provided for added peace of mind.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2428328
- State license #: 184599
Alternative Business Names
- H2H Movers, Inc
The best Illinois to South Carolina moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in Illinois and delivering it to your new place in South Carolina.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
|
|
|
|
The best Illinois to South Carolina moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Illinois to South Carolina? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you'll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
|
|
|
|
The best Illinois to South Carolina labor-only movers
If you’re just looking for some help loading your stuff into a rental truck or storage container, labor-only movers are the way to go. You can choose the crew size that fits your needs, and you only pay for the time they end up taking.
When planning a move from Illinois to South Carolina, check out these top-rated moving labor companies for a hassle-free experience.
|
|
|
|
How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to SC move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 63 Illinois movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to South Carolina?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Illinois to South Carolina. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,457 - $5,112 | $973 - $2,245 | $691 - $1,344 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,831 - $6,539 | $1,697 - $3,485 | $777 - $1,549 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,747 - $9,794 | $2,257 - $4,240 | $953 - $1,899 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 831 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to South Carolina
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,457 and $5,112. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,831 to $6,539 for the trip from IL to SC. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,747 and $9,794.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to South Carolina
Moving from Illinois to South Carolina? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $973 and $2,245. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,697 to $3,485. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,257 up to $4,240. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $691 and $1,344. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $777 to $1,549. If you’re heading from Illinois to South Carolina or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $953 and $1,899.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to SC
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to South Carolina. Here’s what might influence your total price:
- Move size: Bigger homes cost more to move than small studios.
- Time of year: Rates go up during summer, the peak moving season in Illinois.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is more affordable, but letting professionals handle the move saves you time and effort.
What to know before moving from IL to SC
When moving from Illinois to South Carolina, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. South Carolina
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in Illinois and South Carolina. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:
| Illinois | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent in South Carolina is around 10% less than in Illinois, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in South Carolina to be about 19% more than what you'll find in Illinois.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in South Carolina are roughly 19% lower than in Illinois.
- Moving to South Carolina means you’ll be paying 7% more than you did in Illinois. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- With an unemployment rate around 11% lower than Illinois, South Carolina offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
- Sales tax in South Carolina is 15% lower than in Illinois. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in South Carolina can really help cut down your living expenses.
- Income taxes in South Carolina are 41% higher than in Illinois. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in South Carolina vs. Illinois
Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in South Carolina compared to Illinois across a few key lifestyle factors:
| 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 |
- The population of South Carolina is about 57% smaller than that of Illinois. Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
- In the most recent presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican, while Illinois went Democratic.
- Summer highs in South Carolina reach 91ºF, while Illinois sees temperatures around 86ºF. Warmer weather means more sunshine and time outdoors, but be ready for higher cooling bills and some adjustments if you’re coming from a cooler climate.
- In the heart of winter, temperatures in South Carolina dip to 33ºF, while Illinois can get as cold as 17ºF. Relocating to South Carolina means enjoying milder winters, which comes with lower expenses and more chances to enjoy the outdoors. If you’d rather soak up the sun than deal with winter storms, this move could be perfect for you.
- Expect about 48 inches of rain each year in South Carolina, a noticeable difference from the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois. With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
- In South Carolina, you’ll see just 1 inch of snow each year, compared to Illinois, which gets 22 inches annually. Moving to South Carolina means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, lower upkeep, and fewer weather-related headaches. giving you a smoother, more relaxed winter.
- South Carolina has a higher crime rate than Illinois, with a crime index of 28.0 compared to 19.7. While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. South Carolina
There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in South Carolina stacks up against Illinois.
| Pros of living in Illinois | Pros of living in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Home of Chicago | Warm southern hospitality |
| Ample economic opportunity | Plentiful outdoor activities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Beautiful landscapes |
| Delicious food | Consistently gorgeous weather |
| World-class sports culture | Rich historical significance |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. South Carolina
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Illinois to South Carolina.
| Cons of living in Illinois | Cons of living in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Harsh winter weather | High cost of living |
| Bad traffic | Hurricane frequency |
| High crime rate | Low quality of healthcare |
| Dull landscape | High taxes |
| Strict laws | Abundance of construction |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to South Carolina move
- Weather: South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
- 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: 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 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a South Carolina moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to South Carolina right on time. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in South Carolina
Get ready to discover South Carolina. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to South Carolina?
Hiring a full-service Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to South Carolina?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Illinois to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to South Carolina?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to South Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in South Carolina such as warm southern hospitality and plentiful outdoor activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or South Carolina?
It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in South Carolina. Housing is more affordable in Illinois, with average rent about 11% less and home prices 16% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Illinois, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Carolina?
You should make approximately $ 63,489 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in South Carolina. The cost of living in South Carolina is approximately $ 3,628 per month for an individual and $ 6,082 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Carolina you live For example, larger cities like Charleston and Columbia will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
