How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to ND move
After studying pricing from 52 South Carolina movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to North Dakota?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina to North Dakota.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,168 – $4,439 |
$1,057 – $2,631 |
$971 – $1,865 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,940 – $6,189 |
$1,740 – $3,624 |
$1,039 – $2,219 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,122 – $8,733 |
$2,349 – $4,957 |
$1,324 – $2,660 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,690-mile move from SC to
ND are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to North Dakota
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to North Dakota will cost between
$1,168 and
$4,439.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to ND will
range from $2,940 to
$6,189, and a large move from South Carolina
to North Dakota will cost from $5,122
to $8,733.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to North Dakota
If you’re moving from South Carolina to North Dakota,
expect to pay between $1,057
and $2,631 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,740 up to
$3,624.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,349 and
$4,957. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to North Dakota
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
$971 and
$1,865.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,039
and $2,219. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,324 up to
$2,660 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to ND
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Carolina to North Dakota. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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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 or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from SC to ND
A relocation from South Carolina to North Dakota comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. North Dakota
Comparing expenses in South Carolina and North Dakota shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
South Carolina |
North Dakota |
| Average rent |
$1,065 |
$912 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$263,410 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$73,959 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
2.4% |
| Average sales tax |
7.46% |
6.96% |
| State income tax |
7.0% |
2.9% |
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Expect to pay around 14% less in rent in North Dakota than in South Carolina, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 11% lower in North Dakota than in South Carolina.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 16% higher in North Dakota compared to South Carolina. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in North Dakota and South Carolina, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 49% lower than South Carolina, North Dakota boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales tax in North Dakota is 7% lower than in South Carolina. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in North Dakota can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 59% lower in North Dakota than in South Carolina. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in North Dakota vs. South Carolina
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in North Dakota stacks up against South Carolina across important lifestyle factors:
|
North Dakota |
South Carolina |
| Population |
783,926 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 68-32 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
82ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
0ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
19″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
39″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
22.74 |
28.0 |
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With a population about 85% smaller than South Carolina, North Dakota offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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During the last presidential election, both South Carolina and North Dakota supported the Republican candidate.
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North Dakota averages 82°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 91°F in South Carolina.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
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During the coldest part of the year, North Dakota drops to about 0°F while South Carolina only reaches 33°F.
Moving to North Dakota with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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You’ll enjoy about 19 inches of rain each year in North Dakota, 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.
-
Every year, North Dakota gets around 39 inches of snow, much more than the 1 inch that South Carolina typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
-
North Dakota has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 22.74 vs. 28.0.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. North Dakota
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in North Dakota versus South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in North Dakota |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Peaceful rural life |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Affordable living costs |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
High-quality education opportunities |
| Rich historical significance |
Open rural spaces |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. North Dakota
Moving from South Carolina to North Dakota 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 North Dakota |
| High cost of living |
Long and cold winters |
| Hurricane frequency |
Lack of diversity |
| Low quality of healthcare |
Housing shortages |
| High taxes |
Small populations |
| Abundance of construction |
Relaxed lifestyle |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to North Dakota move
-
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:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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State licensing:
All local and intrastate movers operating in the Flickertail State are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT).
Each mover in good standing is issued an NDDOT Number, which consumers may check the status and validity of by calling the phone number listed below. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a North Dakota moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in North Dakota, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to North Dakota without a hitch. 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. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, providing minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your selected moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in North Dakota
Get ready to discover all that North Dakota has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in North Dakota
- Red River Zoo
- Fargo Air Museum
- North Dakota Museum of Art
- Roger Maris Museum
- Dickinson Museum Center
Parks in North Dakota
- The Dakota Zoo
- Red River Zoo
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Scandinavian Heritage Park
- Roosevelt Park Zoo
Sports teams in North Dakota
- Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)
- Fargo Force (USHL)
- Minot Minotauros (NAHL)
Universities in North Dakota
- University of North Dakota
- North Dakota State University
- University of Mary
- Minot State University
- Valley City State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to North Dakota?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to North Dakota?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to North Dakota?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to North Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in North Dakota, such as ample economic opportunity and peaceful rural life.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or North Dakota?
Living in North Dakota usually costs less than in South Carolina.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in North Dakota,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 11% lower than in South Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Dakota?
You should make approximately $66,980 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in North Dakota.
The cost of living in North Dakota is about $2,516 per month for an individual and $5,264 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
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When moving from South Carolina to North Dakota, expect to spend between
$2,940–$6,189 if using professional movers, about
$2,682 for a moving container, and around
$1,629
for a rental truck.
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