Illinois to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to South Carolina

ConsIllinois

• Harsh, snowy winters
• High property taxes
• Heavy Chicago traffic
• Frequent toll roads
• Costly city parking
• Long heating season
• Flat prairie scenery
• Higher housing costs
• Gray winter skies
• Lake-effect snowstorms
• Freeze-thaw potholes
• Limited beach access

ProsSouth Carolina

• Mild, short winters
• Lower property taxes
• Less congestion overall
• Very few tolls
• Cheaper, easier parking
• Longer outdoor season
• Atlantic beaches nearby
• More affordable homes
• More sunny days
• Minimal winter snow
• Less winter road wear
• Easy coast getaways

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South Carolina

• Limited public transit
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer global options
• Hurricane and flooding
• Long, humid summers
• Car-dependent areas
• Sparse intercity rail
• Smaller job market
• Fewer elite universities
• Fewer pro teams
• Fewer big venues
• Rare snow activities

Illinois

• Excellent public transit
• World-class museums
• Diverse dining scene
• Great Lakes beaches
• Four distinct seasons
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Strong rail connections
• Big-city job market
• Top-tier universities
• Pro sports galore
• High cultural events
• Winter sports nearby

Pros of moving from Illinois to South Carolina

• Say goodbye to harsh, snowy winters and hello to mild, short winters
• Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to South Carolina with lower property taxes
• Swap the heavy Chicago traffic of Illinois for less congestion overall in South Carolina
• Get ready for very few tolls in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Illinois to South Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from excellent public transit in Illinois to live with limited public transit in South Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of world-class museums and have to settle for the con of fewer major museums
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse dining scene and get used to fewer global options in South Carolina
• Swap great Lakes beaches for hurricanes and flooding

Illinois vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Lowcountry Boil to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago Vegan Diner Food 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 Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. 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 Charleston, Hominy Grill, and Leon's Oyster Shop.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and South Carolina

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston Single House architecture typical of South Carolina.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and open floor plans.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Carolina is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• South Carolina housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in South Carolina is 5.61% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 14% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Illinois, 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 Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 10 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and South Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 16% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in South Carolina will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• Hooray, moving to SC means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is considerable in South Carolina compared to notable in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Illinois and manageable in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. South Carolina

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
• South Carolina's religious environment can be described as Christian, predominantly evangelical Protestant
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian, with significant Catholic, Protestant, and non-affiliated demographics

How Much Do Illinois to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 827 miles from Illinois to South Carolina will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.