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Kentucky to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 427 mile interstate move from Kentucky to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman 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 Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Pulled Pork BBQ
  • South Carolina housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in South Carolina is 26.24% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to South Carolina movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Kentucky to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to South Carolina

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited beaches
  • Higher taxes
  • Small city amenities
  • Limited seafood
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Milder climate
  • Expansive coastline
  • Lower taxes
  • Growing urban areas
  • Seafood abundance

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Higher costs in cities
  • Fewer mountain views
  • Tourist influx
  • Limited local distilleries
  • Fewer equestrian venues
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Low cost of living
  • Scenic hills
  • Friendly community
  • Bourbon culture
  • Horse racing events

Pros of moving from Kentucky to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited beaches and moving to South Carolina with expansive coastline
  • Swap the higher taxes of Kentucky for lower taxes in South Carolina
  • Get ready for growing urban areas in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Kentucky to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Kentucky to live with higher costs in cities in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic hills and have to settle with the con of fewer mountain views
  • Time to bid farewell to a friendly community and get used to the tourist influx in South Carolina
  • Swap bourbon culture for limited local distilleries

Kentucky vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckySouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishHot BrownPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food itemBurgooBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • 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 Kentucky to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, 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 BBQ Jackfruit 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 Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Mama's Mustard, Pickles and BBQ, and Kurtz Restaurant. 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, Hominy Grill, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and South Carolina

ComparisonKentuckySouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanColonial, 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 listingLarge backyards, Proximity to parksOcean views, Proximity to beaches
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston Single House architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and proximity to parks, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and proximity to beaches.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Carolina is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Carolina is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • South Carolina has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 26.24% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckySouth 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, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87/6691/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)42/2360/38
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4549
Annual Snowfall (Inches)221
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 11% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, 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 4 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and South Carolina

ComparisonKentuckySouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$59,341$64,115
Cost of Living Index87.896.85
State Income Tax5%6%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTourism, Manufacturing, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyNotableModest
HomelessnessConcernManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 8% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in South Carolina is 10% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in SC is 6% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in South Carolina is growing compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is modest in South Carolina compared to notable poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is a concern in Kentucky and manageable in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. South Carolina

ComparisonKentuckySouth Carolina
Political Make-upTraditionally leans conservative, but with a mix due to urban areasStrongly conservative, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsMix of Democratic and Republican leadership in urban and rural areas, respectivelyMostly Republican leadership across the state
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a significant Baptist populationChristianity prevalent, particularly evangelical Protestant
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally conservative, but with a mix due to urban areas in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as strongly conservative, especially in rural areas
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as Christianity prevalent, particularly evangelical Protestant
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant, with a significant Baptist population

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to South Carolina

ComparisonKentuckySouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary
Beaumont Middle Lexington
Anchorage Public
Buist Academy Charleston
Mount Pleasant Academy
Meeting Street Academy Charleston
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBeaumont Middle Lexington
Murray Middle
Highlands Latin School Louisville
Gold Hill Middle Fort Mill
Thomas C. Cario Middle Mount Pleasant
Lang Middle Greenville
Top 3 High School SchoolsDuPont Manual High Louisville
Highlands High Fort Thomas
Beechwood High Fort Mitchell
Academic Magnet High North Charleston
Charleston School of the Arts North Charleston
Spartanburg High Spartanburg
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy Louisville
Trinity High School Louisville
Lexington Catholic High Lexington
Hilton Head Christian Academy
Hammond School Columbia
Porter-Gaud School Charleston
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Sayre School Lexington
Louisville Collegiate School
Ashley Hall Charleston
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School Columbia
Christ Church Episcopal School Greenville
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Daviess County Public Schools
Fort Mill School District
Lexington and Richland County School District Five
Charleston County School District

How Much Do Kentucky to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 427 miles from Kentucky to South Carolina will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,445300 ft3$4.82
1 Bedroom$2,144450 ft3$4.77
2 Bedrooms$3,536750 ft3$4.72
3 Bedrooms$5,1321100 ft3$4.67
4 Bedrooms$7,3841600 ft3$4.62
5+ Bedrooms$8,2171800 ft3$4.57

Top Kentucky to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to South Carolina

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details

Louisville to South Carolina

Lexington to South Carolina