Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to PA
There are many factors that influence
South Carolina moving costs.
The cost to move from South Carolina to Pennsylvania 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 PA
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Pennsylvania
|
South Carolina |
Pennsylvania |
Average rent cost |
$1,065 |
$1,110 |
Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$268,824 |
Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$73,170 |
Cost of Living Index |
96 |
99 |
Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.4% |
Average Sales Tax |
7.46% |
6.34% |
State Income Tax |
7.0% |
3.07% |
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Rent is about 4% more expensive in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
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Home prices are about 9% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
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The average income is about 15% higher in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
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Cost of living is 3% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
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Pennsylvania has a lower unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 28%.
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Sales taxes are 15% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
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Income taxes are 56% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Carolina.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. South Carolina
|
Pennsylvania |
South Carolina |
Population |
12,961,683 |
5,373,555 |
Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 58-42 |
Summer high |
83ºF |
91ºF |
Winter low |
19ºF |
33ºF |
Annual rain |
44" |
48" |
Annual snow |
38" |
1" |
Crime index |
17.62 |
28.0 |
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The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 141% greater than the population of South Carolina.
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In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican and South Carolina voted Republican.
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The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF
and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF
and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
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You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
-
In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually
versus 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
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Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index
of 17.62 vs. 28.0.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Pennsylvania
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Pennsylvania compared to South Carolina.
Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Warm southern hospitality |
Low cost of living |
Plentiful outdoor activities |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Beautiful landscapes |
Beautiful landscapes |
Consistently gorgeous weather |
Ample economic opportunity |
Rich historical significance |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania.
Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
Hurricane frequency |
Bad driving conditions |
Low quality of healthcare |
Nuclear power plants |
High taxes |
Unpredictable weather |
Abundance of construction |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Pennsylvania move
- Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
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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.
-
State licensing:
For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services.
Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
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.
In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
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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 Pennsylvania
While you’re in Pennsylvania, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Hersheypark
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Fallingwater
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Visit Strasburg
- Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Presque Isle State Park
- Andy Warhol Museum
- Longwood Gardens
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Knoebels Amusement Resort
- Flight 93 National Memorial
- Ricketts Glen State Park
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Reading Terminal Market
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes