When moving from Virginia to South Carolina, expect to spend between
$1,559–$4,251 if using professional movers, about
$1,598 for a moving container, and around
$504
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to South Carolina?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $871 – $2,660 | $623 – $1,491 | $319 – $593 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,559 – $4,251 | $1,044 – $2,153 | $353 – $655 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,371 – $5,675 | $1,494 – $2,502 | $409 – $849 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $871 – $2,660
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,559 – $4,251
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,371 – $5,675
How much do moving containers cost from Virginia to South Carolina?
- Small move: $623 – $1,491
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,044 – $2,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,494 – $2,502
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $319 – $593
- 2–3 bedrooms: $353 – $655
- 4+ bedrooms: $409 – $849
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 339-mile move from VA to SC using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from VA to SC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Virginia | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,440 | $1,065 |
| Average home cost | $392,682 | $295,769 |
| Average income (per capita) | $87,249 | $63,623 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 5.73% | 7.46% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 7.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in South Carolina?
Rent is about 26% lower in South Carolina than in Virginia.
Avg rent: $1,440 vs. $1,065
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 25% lower in South Carolina than in Virginia.
Avg home value: $392,682 vs. $295,769
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 27% lower in South Carolina than in Virginia.
Avg income (per capita): $87,249 vs. $63,623
Is the overall cost of living higher in South Carolina?
The cost of living is about the same in Virginia and South Carolina.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 30% higher in South Carolina than in Virginia.
Avg sales tax: 5.73% vs. 7.46%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 22% higher in South Carolina than in Virginia.
State income tax: 5.75% vs. 7.0%
How is daily life different in South Carolina compared to Virginia?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| South Carolina | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,373,555 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 14″ |
| Crime index | 28.0 | 19.3 |
Will South Carolina feel more crowded than Virginia?
South Carolina is about 38% less populous than Virginia — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican while Virginia voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: South Carolina is milder on average (33°F vs. 25°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in South Carolina?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (48″ vs. 44″).
Snow: South Carolina gets less snow (1 inch vs. 14 inches).
Is South Carolina safer than Virginia?
South Carolina has a higher crime index than Virginia (28.0 vs. 19.3). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in South Carolina?
Museums in South Carolina
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Brookgreen Gardens
- BMW Zentrum
Parks in South Carolina
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Kiawah Beachwalker Park
- Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Riverfront Park
Sports teams in South Carolina
- Clemson Tigers (NCAA)
- Augusta GreenJackets (Low-A East)
- Charleston Battery (USL Championship)
- Charleston RiverDogs (Low-A East)
- Columbia Fireflies (Low-A East)
Universities in South Carolina
- Clemson University
- University of South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina
- College of Charleston
- Furman University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Virginia to South Carolina 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a South Carolina moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina without a hitch. 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. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
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.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in South Carolina?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a South Carolina moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in South Carolina?
You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
Some movers in Virginia offer discounts: 3 military discounts; 2 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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