Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to SCtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from North Carolina to South Carolina will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in North Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from NC to SC

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

Cost of living: North Carolina vs. South Carolina

North Carolina South Carolina
Average rent cost $1,093 $1,065
Average home cost $328,715 $295,769
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $63,623
Cost of Living Index 96 96
Unemployment rate 3.7% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.98% 7.46%
State Income Tax 4.5% 7.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 3% less expensive in South Carolina than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 10% lower in South Carolina than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 4% lower in South Carolina than in North Carolina.
  • Cost of living is about the same in South Carolina and North Carolina.
  • South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 27%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Carolina than in North Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 56% higher in South Carolina than in North Carolina.

How life is different in South Carolina vs. North Carolina

South Carolina North Carolina
Population 5,373,555 10,835,491
Political leaning Republican 58-42 Republican 51-49
Summer high 91ºF 88ºF
Winter low 33ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 48" 48"
Annual snow 1" 4"
Crime index 28.0 24.69
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of South Carolina is approximately 50% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • South Carolina has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 28.0 vs. 24.69.

Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. South Carolina

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in South Carolina compared to North Carolina.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in South Carolina
Great communities Warm southern hospitality
Low cost of living Plentiful outdoor activities
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful landscapes
High quality of life Consistently gorgeous weather
Bountiful recreational opportunities Rich historical significance

Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. South Carolina

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving North Carolina for South Carolina.

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in South Carolina
Hurricanes High cost of living
Bland weather Hurricane frequency
High crime rate Low quality of healthcare
High tax burden High taxes
Poor education Abundance of construction

Other things to consider for your North Carolina to South Carolina movetoggle

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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.

Things to do in South Carolinatoggle

While you’re in South Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Charleston's Historic District
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Brookgreen Gardens
  • Middleton Place
  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Caesars Head State Park
  • Congaree National Park
  • DuPont Planetarium
  • Alligator Adventure
  • UFO Welcome Center
  • The Battery
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Charleston Tea Plantation
  • The Peace Center
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Carolina to South Carolina?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Carolina 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 North Carolina to South Carolina?toggle

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 North Carolina to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to South Carolina?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Carolina 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 North Carolina or South Carolina?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in South Carolina than in North Carolina. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in South Carolina, with average rent about 3% less and home prices 10.0% lower than in North Carolina. However, taxes are lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Carolina?toggle

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.

Helpful moving resources

North Carolina moving services

Popular North Carolina routes

Popular moving resources