$1,462 Movers From Chicago, IL to South Carolina

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to South Carolina averages from $772 to $6,741 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from South Carolina to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to South Carolina resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to South Carolina. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

• Best Chicago, IL to South Carolina movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to South Carolina.
• How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Chicago, IL to South Carolina car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 814 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to South Carolina moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to South Carolina is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to South Carolina.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
• North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
• JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves North American Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to South Carolina?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to South Carolina:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 814 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL to South Carolina will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to South Carolina?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to South Carolina will cost between $1,462 to $5,089. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to SC will range from $2,681 to $6,741, and a large move from Chicago to South Carolina will cost from $4,705 to $9,752.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to South Carolina?

Moving pods from Chicago to South Carolina will cost you $959 to $2,396. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,657 to $3,397. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,270 to $4,390. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to South Carolina.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to South Carolina?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $694 to $1,373. A larger move will cost $772 to $1,523, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to South Carolina costs from $966 to $1,923.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to South Carolina a good idea?

If you’re moving to South Carolina from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs South Carolina

• Rent is about 65% less expensive in South Carolina than in Chicago.
• Home prices are about 7.6% lower in South Carolina than in Chicago.
• The average income is about 2.5% lower in South Carolina than in Chicago.
• South Carolina has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 132.6%.
• Income taxes are 41.41% higher in South Carolina than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from South Carolina?

• The population of South Carolina is approximately 89% greater than the population of Chicago.
• In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
• The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
• During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
• You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
• In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
• South Carolina has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 31.09.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. South Carolina:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs South Carolina side-by-side.

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. South Carolina:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for South Carolina.

Considerations for moving to South Carolina

• 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• 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: 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to South Carolina. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular ACM Movers	Get A Quote	4 overall rating	415 W Howard St, Evanston, IL, 60202 (847) 563-0920
STI Moving & Storage Inc.	Get A Quote	5 overall rating	7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077 (847) 675-1223
Alliance Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in South Carolina?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in South Carolina.

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
• Pat Conroy Literary Center
• North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center
• H.L. Hunley Submarine
• Heyward-Washington House
• Myrtle Beach Pinball 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
• Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
• Mitchelville Freedom Park
• Walter Y. Elisha Park
• Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
• Conway Riverwalk

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)
• Greenville Drive (High-A East
• Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)
• Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One)
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A East)
• South Carolina Sting Rays (ECHL)

Universities 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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about South Carolina

• What is the cost to move to South Carolina?
• Best moving companies in South Carolina