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Iowa to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 1,086 mile interstate move from Iowa to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winter weather vs warmer climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (prairie school, ranch vs colonial, charleston single house), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Corn-fed Beef, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Lowcountry Boil
  • South Carolina housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in South Carolina is 52.95% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to South Carolina will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to South Carolina movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Iowa to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to South Carolina

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Harsh winter weather
  • Limited coastal access
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Flat landscapes
  • Rural isolation
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warmer climate
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Scenic mountains
  • More lively cities

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Higher noise levels
  • Higher housing costs
  • More crowded areas
  • More hustle and bustle
  • Busier roads
Iowa iconIowa
  • Quiet surroundings
  • Low cost of living
  • Community feel
  • Simple lifestyle
  • Less traffic

Pros of moving from Iowa to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to harsh winter weather and hello to a warmer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited coastal access and moving to South Carolina with beautiful beaches
  • Swap the fewer cultural activities of Iowa for a rich cultural scene in South Carolina
  • Get ready for scenic mountains in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Iowa to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the quiet surroundings in Iowa to live with higher noise levels in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher housing costs
  • Time to bid farewell to a community feel and get used to more crowded areas in South Carolina
  • Swap a simple lifestyle for more hustle and bustle

Iowa vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishCorn-fed BeefLowcountry Boil
Most popular street food itemFried on a Stick VarietiesFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladOkra Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Machine Shed
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company
  • Husk
  • Home Team BBQ
  • 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 Iowa to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-fed Beef and sumptuous Fried on a Stick Varieties, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Lowcountry Boil and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Soup of South Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Machine Shed, Zombie Burger, and The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company. 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, Home Team BBQ, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and South Carolina

ComparisonIowaSouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, RanchColonial, Charleston Single House
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 listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsHistoric features, Proximity to beaches
  • The Prairie School and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston Single House architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic characteristics and proximity to beaches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than Iowa.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; South Carolina is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • South Carolina has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 37% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 52.95% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaSouth 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 DisastersTornadoes, Severe SnowstormsHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 14Β°F60Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3649.8
Annual Snowfall (Inches)322
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 6% more sunshine days than Iowa.
  • South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe snowstorms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in South Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 9 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 13.8 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and South Carolina

ComparisonIowaSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$69,588$64,115
Cost of Living Index95.996.85
State Income Tax3.9%0 - 7%
Avg. Property Tax1.5%0.5%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, InsuranceTourism, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 8% less than in Iowa
  • The COLI in South Carolina will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in SC is 0 - 7% compared to 3.9% in IA
  • The affluence in South Carolina is varied compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to moderate in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. South Carolina

ComparisonIowaSouth Carolina
Political Make-upMixed; swings in national electionsConservative, leaning Republican
Local PoliticsVaries widely between rural and urban areasStrongly conservative, especially in rural areas
ReligionProtestant, CatholicProtestant, with a strong Evangelical presence
  • Iowa tends to lean mixed in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as conservative, leaning Republican
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as Protestant, with a strong Evangelical presence
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to South Carolina

ComparisonIowaSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Shimek Elementary (Iowa City)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Mitchell Road Elementary (Greenville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmes Middle School (Ames)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Moultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Riverside Middle School (Greer)
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
Top 3 private high schoolsXavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaharishi School (Fairfield)
Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Decorah Community School District
Greenville County School District
Charleston County School District
Lexington 1 School District

How Much Do Iowa to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 1,086 miles from Iowa to South Carolina will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,818300 ft3$6.06
1 Bedroom$2,705450 ft3$6.01
2 Bedrooms$4,470750 ft3$5.96
3 Bedrooms$6,5021100 ft3$5.91
4 Bedrooms$9,3771600 ft3$5.86
5+ Bedrooms$10,4591800 ft3$5.81

Top Iowa to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Iowa to South Carolina

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Iowa to South Carolina Routes

Des Moines to South Carolina