How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to MI move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 52 South Carolina moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Michigan?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina to Michigan.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| 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 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 919-mile move from SC to
MI using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Michigan
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to Michigan,
you can expect prices to land between $1,106
and $4,255.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,115 to
$5,570 for the trip from SC
to MI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,825 and
$6,833.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Michigan
Moving containers from South Carolina to Michigan
will cost you $767 to
$1,919 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,334
to $2,835. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,814 to
$3,571.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Michigan
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$561
and $1,162
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $632
to $1,288.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$760
to $1,693.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to MI
Several factors influence the cost of moving from South Carolina to Michigan. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in South Carolina generally comes with a higher price tag.
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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 SC to MI
Making the move from South Carolina to Michigan means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Michigan
A clear look at the cost differences between South Carolina and Michigan helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
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% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from South Carolina to Michigan.
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Home prices in Michigan are around 17% lower than in South Carolina. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 8% higher in Michigan than in South Carolina, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Since living costs in Michigan and South Carolina are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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Unemployment rates in Michigan and South Carolina are about the same, so you’re unlikely to see a big shift in job opportunities or competition after your move.
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Sales tax in Michigan is 20% lower than in South Carolina. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Michigan could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in Michigan are 39% lower than in South Carolina. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Michigan vs. South Carolina
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Michigan and South Carolina compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
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 |
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Michigan has a population that’s about 87% larger than South Carolina.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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South Carolina and Michigan both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summers in Michigan average 81°F, compared to 91°F in South Carolina.
That cooler climate means less intense summers, easier days outdoors, and lower utility bills.
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In winter, Michigan reaches lows near 14°F, colder than 33°F in South Carolina.
Colder winters call for preparation, higher heating use, and adapting to brisker conditions — but they also bring a classic winter atmosphere.
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You can expect only about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
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Each year, Michigan gets about 64 inches of snow, while South Carolina sees only 1 inch.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Moving to Michigan means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 19.98 versus South Carolina’s 28.0, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Michigan
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Michigan compared to South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Scenic beauty |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Good higher education |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Low cost of living |
| Rich historical significance |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Michigan
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from South Carolina to Michigan:
| Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| High cost of living |
Cold snowy winters |
| Hurricane frequency |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Low quality of healthcare |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| High taxes |
Expensive education |
| Abundance of construction |
Thick accents |
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.
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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.
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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.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Michigan moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Michigan
You’ll have plenty to explore in Michigan! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Michigan?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave South Carolina for Michigan, drawn by advantages like scenic beauty and good higher education that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in South Carolina.
Housing
is much more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 17% lower than in South Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, 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 Michigan?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Michigan, you should aim to make around $54,934.
On average, expect to spend about $3,608 per month, or $6,859 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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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.
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