Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to RItoggle

There are many factors that influence South Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from South Carolina to Rhode Island will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in South Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • 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 RI

If you’re moving to Rhode Island from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Rhode Island

South Carolina Rhode Island
Average rent cost $1,065 $1,195
Average home cost $295,769 $467,485
Average income (per capita) $63,623 $81,370
Cost of Living Index 96 100
Unemployment rate 4.7% 4.6%
Average Sales Tax 7.46% 7.0%
State Income Tax 7.0% 5.99%
  • Rent is about 12% more expensive in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 58% higher in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.
  • The average income is about 28% higher in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.
  • Cost of living is 4% lower in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.
  • Rhode Island has a lower unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 2%.
  • Sales taxes are 6% lower in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 14% lower in Rhode Island than in South Carolina.

How life is different in Rhode Island vs. South Carolina

Rhode Island South Carolina
Population 1,093,734 5,373,555
Political leaning Democratic 56-44 Republican 58-42
Summer high 82ºF 91ºF
Winter low 19ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 50" 48"
Annual snow 35" 1"
Crime index 14.58 28.0
  • The population of Rhode Island is approximately 80% lower than the population of South Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Rhode Island voted Democratic and South Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Rhode Island is 82ºF and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Rhode Island reaches the temperature of 19ºF and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Rhode Island versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
  • In Rhode Island, it snows about 35 inches annually versus 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
  • Rhode Island has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 14.58 vs. 28.0.

Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. Rhode Island

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Rhode Island compared to South Carolina.

Pros of living in South Carolina Pros of living in Rhode Island
Warm southern hospitality Beautiful landscapes
Plentiful outdoor activities Delicious seafood
Beautiful landscapes Rich history
Consistently gorgeous weather Amazing beaches
Rich historical significance Short drives

Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island.

Cons of living in South Carolina Cons of living in Rhode Island
High cost of living High cost of living
Hurricane frequency Heavy traffic and lousy drivers
Low quality of healthcare Smallest state
High taxes Cold winters
Abundance of construction Dense population

Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Rhode Island movetoggle

  • Weather: Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • 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.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Rhode Island moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Rhode Island does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 Rhode Island. Get started here.
  • 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 Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Rhode Islandtoggle

While you’re in Rhode Island, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs
  • Newport Cliff Walk
  • The Breakers, Newport
  • WaterFire Providence
  • Rough Point
  • The Providence Athenaeum
  • The Elms
  • Blithewold Mansion & Gardens
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo
  • Providence Children's Museum
  • RISD Museum of Art
  • Bellevue Avenue Historic District
  • Narragansett Bay Beaches
  • Colt State Park
  • Benefit Street and John Brown House
  • Herreshoff Marine Museum
  • Fort Adams State Park
  • Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame
  • Misquamicut State Beach
  • Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
  • National Museum of American Illustration
  • Naval War College Museum
  • McCoy Stadium
  • Adventureland Family Fun Park
  • Rhode Island State House
  • Living Sharks Museum
  • Bowen’s Wharf
  • Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
  • Newport Car Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Rhode Island?toggle

Hiring a full-service South Carolina moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Rhode Island?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from South Carolina to Rhode Island separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Rhode Island?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Rhode Island are the amazing upsides of living in Rhode Island such as beautiful landscapes and delicious seafood.

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Rhode Island?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in South Carolina than in Rhode Island. Housing is much more affordable in South Carolina, with average rent about 11% less and home prices 37% lower than in Rhode Island. However, taxes are lower in Rhode Island, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Rhode Island?toggle

You should make approximately $78,746 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Rhode Island. The cost of living in Rhode Island is approximately $3,497 per month for an individual and $5,313 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Rhode Island you live For example, larger cities like Providence and Warwick will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources