California to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to South Carolina

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Wildfire risks
• High taxes

ProsSouth Carolina

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Fewer natural disasters
• Lower taxes

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South Carolina

• Fewer job prospects
• Limited attractions
• Limited public transport
• Less diversity

California

• Abundant job opportunities
• Famous attractions
• Excellent public transport
• Diverse culture

Pros of moving from California to South Carolina

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to South Carolina with less congestion
• Swap the wildfire risks of California for fewer natural disasters in South Carolina
• Get ready for lower taxes in South Carolina

Cons of moving from California to South Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from abundant job opportunities in California to live with fewer job prospects in South Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of famous attractions and have to settle for the con of limited attractions
• Time to bid farewell to excellent public transport and get used to limited public transport in South Carolina
• Swap diverse culture for less diversity

California vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Tacos, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Açaí Bowl 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 California eateries like The Cheeseboard Collective, The French Laundry, and Tocaya Organica. After the boxes are unpacked in South Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to South Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Home Team BBQ, Husk Charleston, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and South Carolina

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Antebellum architecture typical of South Carolina.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and sustainable features, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and large plots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Carolina is less bike-friendly than California.
• South Carolina has less of an urban feel than California.
• South Carolina housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in South Carolina is 39.38% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 24% fewer sunshine days than California.
• South Carolina has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in South Carolina.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 6 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 27 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and South Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 30% less than in California
• The COLI in South Carolina will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in SC is 7% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in South Carolina compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and moderate in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. South Carolina

• California tends to lean liberal and Democratic-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 primarily Christian with a strong evangelical presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse and less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from California to South Carolina

How Much Do California to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 2,513 miles from California to South Carolina will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.