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Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to SC
There are many factors that influence New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York 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 New York 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 NY to SC
If you’re moving to South Carolina from New York, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: New York vs. South Carolina
| New York | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,507 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $63,623 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 4.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.52% | 7.46% |
| State Income Tax | 10.9% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 29% less expensive in South Carolina than in New York.
- Home prices are about 39% lower in South Carolina than in New York.
- The average income is about 22% lower in South Carolina than in New York.
- Cost of living is 4% lower in South Carolina than in New York.
- South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 7%.
- Sales taxes are 12% lower in South Carolina than in New York.
- Income taxes are 36% lower in South Carolina than in New York.
How life is different in South Carolina vs. New York
| South Carolina | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 48" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 62" |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 21.51 |
- The population of South Carolina is approximately 73% lower than the population of New York.
- In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and New York voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
- You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
- In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 62 inches of snow in New York.
- South Carolina has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 28.0 vs. 21.51.
Comparing the pros of New York 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 New York.
| Pros of living in New York | Pros of living in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Warm southern hospitality |
| Arts | Plentiful outdoor activities |
| Ample economic opportunity | Beautiful landscapes |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities | Consistently gorgeous weather |
| Distinct seasons | Rich historical significance |
Comparing the cons of living in New York 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 New York for South Carolina.
| Cons of living in New York | Cons of living in South Carolina |
|---|---|
| High tax burden | High cost of living |
| Rough winter weather | Hurricane frequency |
| High cost of living | Low quality of healthcare |
| Poor quality healthcare | High taxes |
| Populous | Abundance of construction |
Other things to consider for your New York 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: 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 Carolina
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New York to South Carolina?
Hiring a full-service New York 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 New York 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 New York to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New York to South Carolina?
The main reasons people are moving from New York 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 New York or South Carolina?
It is generally cheaper to live in South Carolina than in New York. Housing is much more affordable in South Carolina, with average rent about 29% less and home prices 38.7% lower than in New York. Taxes are also lower in South Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by New York 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.
