For a move from South Carolina to Michigan, budget between $2,115–$5,570 for full-service movers, around
$2,084 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$960
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,106 – $4,255 | $767 – $1,919 | $561 – $1,162 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,115 – $5,570 | $1,334 – $2,835 | $632 – $1,288 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,825 – $6,833 | $1,814 – $3,571 | $760 – $1,693 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,106 – $4,255
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,115 – $5,570
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,825 – $6,833
How much do moving containers cost from South Carolina to Michigan?
- Small move: $767 – $1,919
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,334 – $2,835
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,814 – $3,571
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $561 – $1,162
- 2–3 bedrooms: $632 – $1,288
- 4+ bedrooms: $760 – $1,693
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 919-mile move from SC to MI 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 SC to MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| South Carolina | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,065 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 7.46% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about the same in South Carolina and Michigan.
Avg rent: $1,065 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 17% lower in Michigan than in South Carolina.
Avg home value: $295,769 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 8% higher in Michigan than in South Carolina.
Avg income (per capita): $63,623 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is about the same in South Carolina and Michigan.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 20% lower in Michigan than in South Carolina.
Avg sales tax: 7.46% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 39% lower in Michigan than in South Carolina.
State income tax: 7.0% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to South Carolina?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Michigan | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 28.0 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than South Carolina?
Michigan is about 87% more populous than South Carolina — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both South Carolina and Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Michigan is cooler on average (81°F vs. 91°F).
Winter: Michigan is colder on average (14°F vs. 33°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Michigan gets less rain (34″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 1 inch).
Is Michigan safer than South Carolina?
Michigan has a lower crime index than South Carolina (19.98 vs. 28.0), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Michigan 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Michigan moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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 Michigan 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
Discount availability varies by mover—ask about current promotions when requesting quotes.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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