Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to NC
There are many factors that influence
South Carolina moving costs.
The cost to move from South Carolina to North Carolina will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in South Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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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 NC
If you’re moving to North Carolina from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. North Carolina
|
South Carolina |
North Carolina |
| Average rent cost |
$1,065 |
$1,093 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$66,186 |
| Cost of Living Index |
96 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.7% |
| Average Sales Tax |
7.46% |
6.98% |
| State Income Tax |
7.0% |
4.5% |
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Rent is about 3% more expensive in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
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Home prices are about 11% higher in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
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The average income is about 4% higher in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
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Cost of living is about the same in North Carolina and South Carolina.
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North Carolina has a lower unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 21%.
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Sales taxes are 6% lower in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
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Income taxes are 36% lower in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
How life is different in North Carolina vs. South Carolina
|
North Carolina |
South Carolina |
| Population |
10,835,491 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
29ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
48" |
48" |
| Annual snow |
4" |
1" |
| Crime index |
24.69 |
28.0 |
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The population of North Carolina is approximately 102% greater than the population of South Carolina.
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In the last presidential election, North Carolina voted Republican and South Carolina voted Republican.
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The average high in the summertime in North Carolina is 88ºF
and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
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During the coldest part of the year, North Carolina reaches the temperature of 29ºF
and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
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You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
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In North Carolina, it snows about 4 inches annually
versus 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
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North Carolina has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index
of 24.69 vs. 28.0.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. North Carolina
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in North Carolina compared to South Carolina.
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in North Carolina |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Great communities |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
High quality of life |
| Rich historical significance |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. North 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 South Carolina for North Carolina.
| Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in North Carolina |
| High cost of living |
Hurricanes |
| Hurricane frequency |
Bland weather |
| Low quality of healthcare |
High crime rate |
| High taxes |
High tax burden |
| Abundance of construction |
Poor education |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to North Carolina move
- Weather: North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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State licensing:
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division.
All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a North Carolina moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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 North Carolina.
Get started here.
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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.
Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in North Carolina
While you’re in North Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Biltmore Estate
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- USS North Carolina Battleship
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Zoo
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Chimney Rock State Park
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- Linville Gorge and Falls
- Carolina Beach State Park
- North Carolina Aquariums
- Outer Banks
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Pullen Park
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Dead Broke Farm
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
Best overall value
