For a move from Michigan to South Carolina, budget between $2,481–$6,091 for full-service movers, around
$2,029 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$992
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan 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 | $1,150 – $4,427 | $736 – $1,938 | $573 – $1,150 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,481 – $6,091 | $1,362 – $2,697 | $657 – $1,328 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,264 – $8,021 | $1,852 – $3,751 | $840 – $1,532 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,150 – $4,427
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,481 – $6,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,264 – $8,021
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to South Carolina?
- Small move: $736 – $1,938
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,362 – $2,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 – $3,751
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $573 – $1,150
- 2–3 bedrooms: $657 – $1,328
- 4+ bedrooms: $840 – $1,532
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 923-mile move from MI 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 MI to SC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 7.46% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Carolina?
Rent is about the same in Michigan and South Carolina.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $1,065
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 20% higher in South Carolina than in Michigan.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $295,769
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in South Carolina than in Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $63,623
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Carolina?
The cost of living is about the same in Michigan and South Carolina.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 24% higher in South Carolina than in Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 7.46%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 65% higher in South Carolina than in Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 7.0%
How is daily life different in South Carolina compared to Michigan?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| South Carolina | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 19.98 |
Will South Carolina feel more crowded than Michigan?
South Carolina is about 46% less populous than Michigan — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Michigan and South Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: South Carolina is hotter on average (91°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: South Carolina is milder on average (33°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Carolina?
Rain: South Carolina gets more rain (48″ vs. 34″).
Snow: South Carolina gets less snow (1 inch vs. 64 inches).
Is South Carolina safer than Michigan?
South Carolina has a higher crime index than Michigan (28.0 vs. 19.98). 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 Michigan to South Carolina move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 proper licensing before hiring them.
- 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 smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to South Carolina right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” 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.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Carolina?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) 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 Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
Michigan moving services
Popular Michigan routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
