Alabama to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to South Carolina

ConsAlabama

• Hot, humid summers
• Limited coastline
• Fewer cultural festivals
• Limited wine regions

ProsSouth Carolina

• Mild coastal climate
• Beautiful beaches
• Rich history and culture
• Burgeoning wine country

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South Carolina

• Slightly higher cost
• Busier cities
• Increased traffic

Alabama

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter lifestyle
• Less traffic congestion

Pros of moving from Alabama to South Carolina

• Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to a mild coastal climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to South Carolina with beautiful beaches
• Swap the fewer cultural festivals of Alabama for rich history and culture in South Carolina
• Get ready for burgeoning wine country in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Alabama to South Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Alabama to live with a slightly higher cost in South Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle for the con of busier cities
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to increased traffic in South Carolina

Alabama vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alabama to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Alabama BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious Lowcountry boil of South Carolina. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful pulled pork and sumptuous Conecuh sausage, South Carolina residents know they have tasty shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the black-eyed peas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the collard greens of South Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. After the boxes are unpacked in South Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to South Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and FIG.

When comparing lifestyles, South Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in South Carolina compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in South Carolina.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and South Carolina

• The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Charleston Single and Colonial architecture typical of South Carolina.
• Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and historic charm.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Carolina is more walkable than Alabama.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Carolina is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
• South Carolina has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
• South Carolina housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
• Rent in South Carolina is 12.12% more expensive than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and South Carolina

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alabama to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 2% more sunshine days than Alabama.
• South Carolina has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in South Carolina.
• The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 1 degree warmer than in Alabama.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Alabama.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and South Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 7% more than in Alabama
• The COLI in South Carolina will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
• The state income tax in SC is 7 compared to 5 in AL
• The affluence in South Carolina is growing compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
• The poverty level is moderate in South Carolina compared to notable poverty in Alabama
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Alabama and concerning in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. South Carolina

• Alabama tends to lean solidly conservative and Republican-leaning in its political climate
• South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as conservative and Republican-leaning
• South Carolina's religious environment can be described as part of the Bible Belt with a strong evangelical Protestant presence, including prominent Baptist and non-denominational communities, along with notable Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic communities; the religiously unaffiliated share is growing, especially in metro and coastal areas.
• Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as part of the Bible Belt with high church attendance; a large share of evangelical Protestants, including Southern Baptist and non-denominational, are common; other Protestant traditions and a smaller Catholic presence are also notable; the religiously unaffiliated share is growing.

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to South Carolina

How Much Do Alabama to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 398 miles from Alabama to South Carolina will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.