How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to VA 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 Virginia?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Carolina to Virginia.
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 |
$897 – $2,632 |
$576 – $1,406 |
$332 – $576 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,575 – $4,081 |
$1,033 – $2,071 |
$343 – $716 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,208 – $5,792 |
$1,466 – $2,684 |
$421 – $792 |
*Estimated costs for a 339-mile move from SC to
VA 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 Virginia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Virginia will cost between
$897 and
$2,632.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to VA will
range from $1,575 to
$4,081, and a large move from South Carolina
to Virginia will cost from $2,208
to $5,792.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Virginia
If you’re moving from South Carolina to Virginia,
expect to pay between $576
and $1,406 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,033 up to
$2,071.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,466 and
$2,684. 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 Virginia
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
$332 and
$576.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $343
and $716. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $421 up to
$792 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to VA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from South Carolina to Virginia. 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 VA
A relocation from South Carolina to Virginia comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. Virginia
Comparing expenses in South Carolina and Virginia 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 |
Virginia |
| Average rent |
$1,065 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
7.46% |
5.73% |
| State income tax |
7.0% |
5.75% |
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Rent in Virginia is approximately 35% higher than in South Carolina, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 33% higher in Virginia than in South Carolina.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 37% higher in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 38% lower than South Carolina, Virginia 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 Virginia is 23% lower than in South Carolina. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Virginia can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 18% lower in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia stacks up against South Carolina across important lifestyle factors:
|
Virginia |
South Carolina |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
14″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
28.0 |
-
Virginia is about 62% more populous than South Carolina.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
-
In the most recent presidential election, Virginia leaned Democratic, while South Carolina went with Republican.
-
In Virginia, summer highs hover around 87°F, while South Carolina sits at 91°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Virginia drops to about 25°F while South Carolina only reaches 33°F.
Moving to Virginia with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
-
In Virginia, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, while South Carolina sees around 48 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Every year, Virginia gets around 14 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.
-
Virginia has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index of 19.3 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. Virginia
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Virginia versus South Carolina:
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Strong economy |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Beautiful scenery |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Rich historical significance |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. Virginia
Moving from South Carolina to Virginia 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 Virginia |
| High cost of living |
High cost of living |
| Hurricane frequency |
Unpredictable weather |
| Low quality of healthcare |
Bad traffic congestion |
| High taxes |
Lack of public transportation |
| Abundance of construction |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to Virginia 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:
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Virginia moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
-
Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Virginia, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
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 Virginia 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. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
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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 Virginia
Get ready to discover all that Virginia has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners’ Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State Park
Sports teams in Virginia
- Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
- Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
- Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
- Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
- Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Carolina to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from South Carolina to Virginia?
What are the benefits of moving from South Carolina to Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from South Carolina to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia, such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina or Virginia?
Living in South Carolina usually costs less than in Virginia.
Housing
is much more affordable in South Carolina,
with average rent about 26% less and home prices 25% lower than in Virginia.
However, taxes are
lower in Virginia, 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 Virginia?
You should make approximately $72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia.
The cost of living in Virginia is about $19,977 per month for an individual and $4,783 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Neabsco and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia, expect to spend between
$1,575–$4,081 if using professional movers, about
$1,552 for a moving container, and around
$529
for a rental truck.
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