Movers

DC to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 493 mile interstate move from DC to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (victorian and federal vs colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce Wings, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Pulled Pork BBQ
  • South Carolina housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in South Carolina is 31.12% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended DC to South Carolina movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to South Carolina

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Overcrowded urban areas
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Lesser congestion
  • Spacious suburbs
  • Abundant nature trails

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Less dining variety
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Car-dependent locations
DC iconDC
  • Cultural amenities
  • Top-tier restaurants
  • Rich history
  • Diverse job market
  • Robust public transport

Pros of moving from DC to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to South Carolina with mild winters
  • Swap the heavy traffic of DC for lesser congestion in South Carolina
  • Get ready for spacious suburbs in South Carolina

Cons of moving from DC to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural amenities in DC to live with fewer cultural venues in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of top-tier restaurants and have to settle for the con of less dining variety
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in South Carolina
  • Swap the diverse job market for limited job opportunities

DC vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce WingsPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks VariesFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodImpossible BurgerCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
  • Home Team BBQ
  • Husk
  • Poogan's Porch
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Food Trucks Varies, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Impossible Burger 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Zaytinya. 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, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and South Carolina

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and FederalColonial and Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, historic charmSpacious yards, quiet neighborhoods
  • The Victorian and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic charm, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Carolina is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • South Carolina has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 31.12% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSevere storms, rare earthquakesHurricanes, severe storms
Air QualityModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/7190/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/2960/38
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4049
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.41
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 7% more sunshine days than DC.
  • South Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and rare earthquakes in DC, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and severe storms in South Carolina.
  • The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 2 degrees warmer than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 9 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and South Carolina

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$101,027$64,115
Cost of Living Index140.196.85
State Income Tax6.57
Avg. Property Tax0.560.57
Avg. Sales Tax67%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, tourism, educationManufacturing, agriculture, tourism
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessHigherLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 37% less than in DC
  • The COLI in South Carolina is 31% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in SC is 7 compared to 6.5 in DC
  • The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to moderate in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is higher in DC and lower in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. South Carolina

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticMajority Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies; strong focus on federal government issuesConservative policies; emphasis on state rights
ReligionMore secular; diverse religionsPrimarily Protestant; strong religious community presence
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as majority Republican
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a strong religious community presence
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more secular with diverse religions

Education Guide When Moving from DC to South Carolina

ComparisonDCSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maryland
George Washington University
University of Virginia
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMann Elementary (Washington)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Lafayette Elementary (Washington)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Meeting Street Academy (Charleston)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Middle School (Washington)
Montessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Greenville Middle Academy (Greenville)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Top 3 High School SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
McKinley Tech High School (Washington)
Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School (Washington)
The Field School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Top 3 School DistrictsDistrict of Columbia Public SchoolsLexington School District One
Greenville County Schools
Charleston County School District

How Much Do DC to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 493 miles from DC to South Carolina will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,260300 ft3$4.20
1 Bedroom$1,870450 ft3$4.16
2 Bedrooms$3,085750 ft3$4.11
3 Bedrooms$4,4791100 ft3$4.07
4 Bedrooms$6,4461600 ft3$4.03
5+ Bedrooms$7,1761800 ft3$3.99

Top DC to South Carolina Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to South Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to South Carolina

9.61/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.45/10
Exceptional
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