Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to SCtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota 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 Dakota 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 ND to SC

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. South Carolina

North Dakota South Carolina
Average rent cost $912 $1,065
Average home cost $263,410 $295,769
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $63,623
Cost of Living Index 96 96
Unemployment rate 2.4% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 7.46%
State Income Tax 2.9% 7.0%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 17% more expensive in South Carolina than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 12% higher in South Carolina than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 14% lower in South Carolina than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is about the same in South Carolina and North Dakota.
  • South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 96%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Carolina than in North Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 141% higher in South Carolina than in North Dakota.

How life is different in South Carolina vs. North Dakota

South Carolina North Dakota
Population 5,373,555 783,926
Political leaning Republican 58-42 Republican 68-32
Summer high 91ºF 82ºF
Winter low 33ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 48" 19"
Annual snow 1" 39"
Crime index 28.0 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of South Carolina is approximately 585% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • South Carolina has a higher crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 28.0 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota 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 Dakota.

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in South Carolina
Ample economic opportunity Warm southern hospitality
Peaceful rural life Plentiful outdoor activities
Affordable living costs Beautiful landscapes
High-quality education opportunities Consistently gorgeous weather
Open rural spaces Rich historical significance

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota 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 Dakota for South Carolina.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in South Carolina
Long and cold winters High cost of living
Lack of diversity Hurricane frequency
Housing shortages Low quality of healthcare
Small populations High taxes
Relaxed lifestyle Abundance of construction

Other things to consider for your North Dakota 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 Dakota to South Carolina?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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

It is generally cheaper to live in North Dakota than in South Carolina. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in North Dakota, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 11% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% 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.

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