($1,490) Cost of Moving From South Carolina to Montana
Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Carolina to Montana ranges from $1,700 to $8,771 and takes six–17 days. The biggest cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Montana to South Carolina guide.
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The best South Carolina to Montana full-service movers
Planning a move from South Carolina to Montana? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.
Start your journey from South Carolina to Montana with these top-rated long-distance movers serving South Carolina.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in South Carolina
With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in South Carolina, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Carey Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
HD Auston Moving Systems

DOT #: 271654
Years in Business: 79
200 Pate Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 USHD Auston Moving Systems, with its home base in Greenville, SC, is a seasoned moving firm that has been in business since 1945. They offer a comprehensive selection of services which sets them apart from other local competitors. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving, they also extend services into office relocations. Their professional team is even equipped to handle special items, such as pianos. They pride themselves on their customer service, offering both packing and unpacking services, as well as crating services for those hard-to-pack or valuable items. Unlike many of its competitors, HD Auston Moving Systems accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, which adds to the convenience when planning a move. HD Auston Moving Systems has a varied online reputation with a modest 2.5 rating from 13 Yelp reviews, but a much stronger 4.7 average from an impressive 183 Google My Business reviews. This suggests that while there may be a few mixed opinions, the majority of customers are highly satisfied. Their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ further emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and business ethics. Overall, HD Auston Moving Systems shows a long history of quality service and a robust client-friendly approach.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 271654
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 27
854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526 USTwo Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 9684-B
Alternative Business Names
- Reliable Service Group Inc
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving

DOT #: 2557751
Years in Business: 16
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2557751
- State license #: 9784-A
Smooth Move Charleston

DOT #: 2357653
Years in Business: 12
4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 USSmooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2357653
- State license #: 9823
Alternative Business Names
- Go Smooth Move, LLC
Carey Moving & Storage

DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 117
1 Shelter Drive, Greer, SC 29650 USCarey Moving & Storage has been serving Greer, SC, and its surrounding areas since 1908, offering reliable local residential moving services. Unlike some nearby movers, Carey also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services. Despite mixed reviews—with a low average rating on Yelp and a solid 4.1 rating on Google—the company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, signaling overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a flexible and trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
- State license #: 2973
The best South Carolina to Montana moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in South Carolina and drop it off at your new home in Montana.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best South Carolina to Montana moving truck rentals
If you're looking to cut costs on your move from South Carolina to Montana, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you'll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best South Carolina to Montana labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from South Carolina to Montana, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to MT move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to Montana?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from South Carolina to Montana. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,490 - $6,168 | $1,545 - $3,533 | $1,510 - $2,798 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,161 - $8,771 | $2,590 - $5,398 | $1,700 - $3,295 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,729 - $12,794 | $3,516 - $7,519 | $2,104 - $4,080 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,136 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Montana
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Montana typically costs between $1,490 and $6,168. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,161 and $8,771 when moving from SC to MT. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from South Carolina to Montana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,729 up to $12,794.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Montana
If you’re relocating from South Carolina to Montana, you’ll typically spend between $1,545 and $3,533 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,590 up to $5,398. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,516 and $7,519. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Montana
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,510 and $2,798. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,700 and $3,295. Planning a move from South Carolina to Montana or relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,104 up to $4,080 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to MT
Several factors can influence your moving costs from South Carolina to Montana. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
- Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in South Carolina.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.
What to know before moving from SC to MT
When moving from South Carolina to Montana, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Montana
Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in South Carolina and Montana. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:
South Carolina | Montana | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,065 | $974 |
Average home cost | $295,769 | $462,631 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $66,341 |
Cost of Living Index | 96 | 100 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.3% |
Average Sales Tax | 7.46% | 0.0% |
State Income Tax | 7.0% | 6.75% |
- Rent in Montana is about 9% cheaper than in South Carolina, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
- Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment—home prices in Montana are roughly 56% higher than in South Carolina.
- Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 4% higher in Montana compared to South Carolina. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
- Living in Montana costs 4% more than in South Carolina. If you’re relocating to Montana, be sure to budget carefully so your finances can handle the higher expenses.
- Montana boasts an unemployment rate about 30% lower than South Carolina. That means you’ll find a stronger job market and a more robust local economy, a great sign if you’re planning a move.
- Sales tax in Montana is 100% lower than in South Carolina. If you have a big family or tend to spend more, this lower rate in Montana can make a noticeable difference in your overall living costs.
- Income taxes are 4% lower in Montana compared to South Carolina. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Montana 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 Montana and South Carolina compares across key lifestyle indicators:
Montana | South Carolina | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,132,812 | 5,373,555 |
Political leaning | Republican 58.4-38.5 | Republican 58-42 |
Summer high | 84ºF | 91ºF |
Winter low | 12ºF | 33ºF |
Annual rain | 15" | 48" |
Annual snow | 49" | 1" |
Crime index | 23.37 | 28.0 |
- The population of Montana is about 79% smaller than that of South Carolina. Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
- In the most recent presidential election, Montana voted Republican, while South Carolina went Republican.
- Summers in Montana average 84ºF, while South Carolina typically sees highs of 91ºF. Choosing to move somewhere cooler can mean less extreme heat, reduced energy costs, and more time to enjoy being outside in the summer.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Montana dip to around 12ºF, while South Carolina only falls to about 33ºF. Relocating to Montana means you’ll likely face colder winters, which can bring higher heating bills, change up your routine, and bring on more extreme weather, but you’ll also get to enjoy the unique beauty and experiences that come with the season.
- You’ll enjoy about 15 inches of rain each year in Montana, compared to 48 inches in South Carolina. With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
- Each year, Montana sees about 49 inches of snowfall, while South Carolina averages just 1 inch. With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation, maintenance, and warm gear.
- Montana boasts a lower crime rate than South Carolina, with a crime index of 23.37 compared to 28.0. This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you're moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Montana
New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in Montana and South Carolina.
Pros of living in South Carolina | Pros of living in Montana |
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Warm southern hospitality | Unmatched natural beauty |
Plentiful outdoor activities | Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
Beautiful landscapes | Ample economic opportunity |
Consistently gorgeous weather | Delicious unique cuisine |
Rich historical significance | No traffic |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Montana
Moving from South Carolina to Montana comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.
Cons of living in South Carolina | Cons of living in Montana |
---|---|
High cost of living | Dangerous wildlife |
Hurricane frequency | Remote lifestyle |
Low quality of healthcare | Touristy |
High taxes | Lacking in urban amenities |
Abundance of construction | Challenging weather |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Montana move
- Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Montana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Montana, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- 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 Montana right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Montana
While you’re in Montana, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports Teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Montana?
Hiring a full-service South 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 South Carolina to Montana?
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 South Carolina to Montana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Montana?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Montana?
It is generally cheaper to live in South Carolina than in Montana. Housing is much more affordable in South Carolina, with average rent about 9% less and home prices 36% lower than in Montana. However, taxes are lower in Montana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 4% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?
You should make approximately $ 61,348 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Montana. The cost of living in Montana is approximately $ 1,892 per month for an individual and $ 5,184 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Montana you live For example, larger cities like Billings and Missoula will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.