Maryland to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to South Carolina

ConsMaryland

• Higher taxes
• Heavy traffic
• Cold winters
• Expensive housing
• Pass-through gun laws

ProsSouth Carolina

• Lower taxes
• Less traffic congestion
• Mild winters
• Affordable housing
• More relaxed gun laws

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South Carolina

• Limited job options
• Fewer historical sites
• Varying school quality
• Less diverse population
• Far from major cities

Maryland

• Strong job market
• Rich history
• Quality public schools
• Cultural diversity
• Proximity to DC

Pros of moving from Maryland to South Carolina

• Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to South Carolina with less traffic congestion
• Swap the cold winters of Maryland for mild winters in South Carolina
• Get ready for affordable housing in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Maryland to South Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong job market in Maryland to live with limited job options in South Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of a rich history and have to settle with the con of fewer historical sites
• Time to bid farewell to quality public schools and get used to varying school quality in South Carolina
• Swap cultural diversity for a less diverse population

Maryland vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Maryland to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Crab Cakes of Maryland for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Soft Shell Crab Sandwich, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Crab Soup 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 Maryland eateries like Pappas Seafood Co., Woodberry Kitchen, and Faidley's Seafood. 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 FIG.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and South Carolina

• The Colonial architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Low Country architecture typical of South Carolina.
• Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like porches and large yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than Maryland.
• South Carolina is similarly bike-friendly to Maryland.
• South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Maryland.
• South Carolina housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Maryland’s $414,972.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
• Rent in South Carolina is 11.42% more affordable than in Maryland.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maryland to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 2% more sunshine days than Maryland.
• South Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maryland.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes in South Carolina.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 6 degrees warmer than in Maryland.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Maryland.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 5.3 more inches of rain compared to Maryland.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and South Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 33% less than in Maryland
• The COLI in South Carolina will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
• The state income tax in SC is 0 - 7% compared to 4.75 - 5.75% in MD
• The affluence in South Carolina is varied compared to prosperous in Maryland
• The poverty level is alarming in South Carolina compared to moderate in Maryland
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Maryland and concerning in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. South Carolina

• Maryland tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• South Carolina's religious environment can be described as largely Evangelical Protestant
• Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied, with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to South Carolina

How Much Do Maryland to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 523 miles from Maryland 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.