How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to NC 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 North Carolina?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina to North Carolina.
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 |
$698 – $2,595 |
$531 – $1,208 |
$214 – $384 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,312 – $3,457 |
$996 – $1,734 |
$232 – $440 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,766 – $4,869 |
$1,255 – $2,190 |
$304 – $566 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 205-mile move from SC to
NC 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 North Carolina
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to North Carolina,
you can expect prices to land between $698
and $2,595.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,312 to
$3,457 for the trip from SC
to NC. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$1,766 and
$4,869.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to North Carolina
Moving containers from South Carolina to North Carolina
will cost you $531 to
$1,208 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $996
to $1,734. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,255 to
$2,190.
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 North Carolina
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
$214
and $384
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $232
to $440.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$304
to $566.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to NC
Several factors influence the cost of moving from South Carolina to North Carolina. 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 NC
Making the move from South Carolina to North Carolina means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. North Carolina
A clear look at the cost differences between South Carolina and North Carolina 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 |
North Carolina |
| Average rent |
$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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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from South Carolina to North Carolina.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in North Carolina are usually around 11% higher than what you’ll find in South Carolina.
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Luckily, the average income is about the same in North Carolina and South Carolina, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
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Since living costs in North Carolina 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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With an unemployment rate around 21% lower than South Carolina, North Carolina offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in North Carolina is 6% lower than in South Carolina. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in North Carolina could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in North Carolina are 36% 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and South Carolina compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
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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North Carolina has a population that’s about 102% 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 North Carolina both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summer highs average 88°F in North Carolina, compared to 91°F in South Carolina.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in North Carolina hover around 29°F, while South Carolina averages 33°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
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You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina and 48 inches in South Carolina.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In North Carolina, you can expect about 4 inches of snow each year, while South Carolina sees around 1 inch annually.
Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
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Moving to North Carolina means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 24.69 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. 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
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 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
-
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.
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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 proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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. 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 ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in North Carolina
You’ll have plenty to explore in North Carolina! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in North Carolina
- Biltmore
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Parks in North Carolina
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Mingo Falls
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Fontana Lake
Sports teams in North Carolina
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
Universities in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to North Carolina?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to North Carolina?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to North Carolina?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave South Carolina for North Carolina, drawn by advantages like great communities and low cost of living that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or North Carolina?
Living in South Carolina usually costs less than in North Carolina.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in South Carolina,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 10% lower than in North Carolina.
However, taxes are
lower in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
To live comfortably as a single adult in North Carolina, you should aim to make around $43,333.
On average, expect to spend about $3,876 per month, or $6,644 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh 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 North Carolina, budget between $1,312–$3,457 for full-service movers, around
$1,365 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$336
for a rental truck.
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