How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to OH 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 Ohio?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina to Ohio.
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 |
$1,029 – $2,928 |
$644 – $1,537 |
$445 – $772 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,957 – $4,962 |
$1,163 – $2,394 |
$480 – $897 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,382 – $7,015 |
$1,662 – $2,877 |
$587 – $1,150 |
*Estimated costs for a 572-mile move from SC to
OH 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 Ohio
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Ohio will cost between
$1,029 and
$2,928.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to OH will
range from $1,957 to
$4,962, and a large move from South Carolina
to Ohio will cost from $3,382
to $7,015.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Ohio
If you’re moving from South Carolina to Ohio,
expect to pay between $644
and $1,537 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,163 up to
$2,394.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,662 and
$2,877. 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 Ohio
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
$445 and
$772.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $480
and $897. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $587 up to
$1,150 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to OH
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Carolina to Ohio. 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 OH
A relocation from South Carolina to Ohio comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Ohio
Comparing expenses in South Carolina and Ohio 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 |
Ohio |
| Average rent |
$1,065 |
$945 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$66,990 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
7.46% |
7.23% |
| State income tax |
7.0% |
3.5% |
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Expect to pay around 11% less in rent in Ohio 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 22% lower in Ohio than in South Carolina.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Ohio and South Carolina.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Ohio 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 23% lower than South Carolina, Ohio boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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You don’t have to worry about higher sales taxes. South Carolina and Ohio have similar rates, making your move easier.
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Income taxes are 50% lower in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio stacks up against South Carolina across important lifestyle factors:
|
Ohio |
South Carolina |
| Population |
11,785,935 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 55-45 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
28″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
20.76 |
28.0 |
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Ohio is about 119% more populous than South Carolina.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both South Carolina and Ohio supported the Republican candidate.
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Ohio averages 84°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, Ohio drops to about 20°F while South Carolina only reaches 33°F.
Moving to Ohio 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 40 inches of rain each year in Ohio, 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.
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Every year, Ohio gets around 28 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.
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Ohio has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 20.76 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. Ohio
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Ohio versus South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Famously delicious beer |
| Rich historical significance |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Ohio
Moving from South Carolina to Ohio 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 Ohio |
| High cost of living |
Low happiness |
| Hurricane frequency |
Limited diversity |
| Low quality of healthcare |
Political division |
| High taxes |
Harsh weather |
| Abundance of construction |
Weird laws |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Ohio 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.
-
State licensing:
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Ohio 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio 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, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Ohio
Get ready to discover all that Ohio has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Ohio?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Ohio?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Ohio are the amazing upsides of living in Ohio, such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Ohio?
Living in Ohio usually costs less than in South Carolina.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Ohio,
with average rent about 11% less and home prices 22% lower than in South Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Ohio, 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 Ohio?
You should make approximately $65,241 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Ohio.
The cost of living in Ohio is about $2,580 per month for an individual and $6,799 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Columbus and Cleveland 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 Ohio, expect to spend between
$1,957–$4,962 if using professional movers, about
$1,778 for a moving container, and around
$688
for a rental truck.
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