Florida to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to South Carolina

ConsFlorida

• Extreme summer humidity
• Hurricane landfall risk
• Skyrocketing insurance rates
• Rising housing prices
• Tourist-heavy congestion
• Frequent toll roads
• Flat, limited terrain
• Year-round mosquitoes
• Sea-level flood threat
• High HOA prevalence
• Expensive car insurance
• Snowbird seasonal spikes

ProsSouth Carolina

• Milder seasonal humidity
• Fewer direct hits
• Lower insurance costs
• More affordable homes
• Less crowded cities
• Minimal toll roads
• Mountains and coast
• Shorter bug season
• More inland options
• Fewer strict HOAs
• Cheaper auto premiums
• Steadier population

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South Carolina

• State income tax
• Colder winter snaps
• Fewer beach options
• Seasonal beach water
• Fewer big attractions
• Fewer direct flights
• Fewer major teams
• Limited cruise options
• Weaker homestead laws
• More cloudy days
• Hillier bike routes
• Shorter boating season

Florida

• No state income tax
• Warm, mild winters
• Abundant sandy beaches
• Year-round swimming
• Major theme parks
• International flight options
• Pro sports teams
• Cruise port access
• Strong homestead protections
• Sunshine year-round
• Flat cycling terrain
• Boating year-round

Pros of moving from Florida to South Carolina

• Say goodbye to extreme summer humidity and hello to milder seasonal humidity
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane landfall risk and moving to South Carolina with fewer direct hits
• Swap the skyrocketing insurance rates of Florida for lower insurance costs in South Carolina
• Get ready for more affordable homes in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Florida to South Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from no state income tax in Florida to live with state income tax in South Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of warm, mild winters and have to settle for the con of colder winter snaps
• Time to bid farewell to abundant sandy beaches and get used to fewer beach options in South Carolina
• Swap year-round swimming for seasonal beach water

Florida vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Cubanos, 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 Açai 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 Florida eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Bern's Steak House, and Latitudes on Sunset Key. 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, Bowens Island Restaurant, and The Ordinary.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and South Carolina

• The Spanish Revival and Modern architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston style architecture typical of South Carolina.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and pools, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic elements and large lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Carolina is less walkable than Florida.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Carolina is less bike-friendly than Florida.
• South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Florida.
• South Carolina housing costs are 26% less expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in South Carolina is 25.72% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 9% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• South Carolina has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes in South Carolina.
• The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 1 degree warmer than in Florida.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and South Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 7% less than in Florida
• The COLI in South Carolina will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to SC, you'll now have a state income tax of 0% - 7%
• The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to diverse affluence in Florida
• The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to varied poverty in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is challenging in Florida and stable in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. South Carolina

• Florida tends to lean mixed, with a slight lean towards conservative in its political climate
• South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as conservative, with a strong Republican presence
• South Carolina's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant, with a strong evangelical presence
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Catholic and Protestant population

How Much Do Florida to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 497 miles from Florida 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.