Movers

Michigan to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 923 mile interstate move from Michigan to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs warmer climate), food & health (like Pasties vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, charleston style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Lowcountry Boil
  • South Carolina housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in South Carolina is 13.94% more expensive than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Michigan to South Carolina movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to South Carolina

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Cold winters
  • Economic downturns
  • High state taxes
  • Limited beach access
  • Rust Belt issues
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warmer climate
  • Growing job market
  • Lower state taxes
  • Coastal beaches
  • Tourism industry

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hurricane risk
  • Less public transit
  • High humidity
  • Summer heat
  • Fewer urban options
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Great Lakes
  • Robust auto industry
  • Historical landmarks
  • Four distinct seasons
  • Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from Michigan to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to a warmer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from economic downturns and moving to South Carolina with a growing job market
  • Swap the high state taxes of Michigan for lower state taxes in South Carolina
  • Get ready for coastal beaches in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Michigan to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the Great Lakes in Michigan to live with hurricane risk in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a robust auto industry and have to settle for the con of less public transit
  • Time to bid farewell to historical landmarks and get used to high humidity in South Carolina
  • Swap four distinct seasons for summer heat

Michigan vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPastiesShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style PizzaLowcountry Boil
Most popular street food itemConey DogFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Zingerman's Deli
  • Bell's Brewery
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Fleet Landing
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 Michigan to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, 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 Tempeh Reuben 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 Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Bell's Brewery. 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 Fleet Landing.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and South Carolina

ComparisonMichiganSouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Charleston style
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 listingLakeshore, Proximity to Great LakesHistoric homes, Proximity to beaches
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston style architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeshores and proximity to the Great Lakes, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and proximity to beaches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Carolina is less walkable than Michigan.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Carolina is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 13.94% more expensive than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganSouth 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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79Β°F / 58Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 17Β°F60Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.8"49.8"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.66"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 28% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, 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 12 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and South Carolina

ComparisonMichiganSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$66,986$64,115
Cost of Living Index91.296.85
State Income Tax4.25%0%-7%
Avg. Property Tax1.54%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationManufacturing, Hospitality, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 4% less than in Michigan
  • The COLI in South Carolina will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in SC is 0%-7% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to moderate in Michigan
  • The poverty level is moderate in South Carolina compared to moderate in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Michigan and low in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. South Carolina

ComparisonMichiganSouth Carolina
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsModerately progressive in urban areasConservative, with strong local governance
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, with a stronger evangelical presence
  • Michigan tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with a stronger evangelical presence
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to South Carolina

ComparisonMichiganSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMusson Elementary (Rochester)
Forest School (Bloomfield Hills)
Bemis Elementary (Troy)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Midway Elementary (Lexington)
Oakview Elementary (Greenville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBoulan Park Middle (Troy)
West Middle School (Rochester)
Mill Creek Middle (Dexter)
Moultrie Middle (Mount Pleasant)
Gold Hill Middle (Fort Mill)
Hand Middle (Columbia)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Rochester Adams High (Rochester)
Northville High (Northville)
Academic Magnet High (North Charleston)
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (Hartsville)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRoeper School (Birmingham)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Top 3 School DistrictsBloomfield Hills Schools
Troy School District
Novi Community School District
Fort Mill School District
Lexington 1 School District
Charleston County School District

How Much Do Michigan to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 923 miles from Michigan 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,726300 ft3$5.75
1 Bedroom$2,566450 ft3$5.70
2 Bedrooms$4,239750 ft3$5.65
3 Bedrooms$6,1631100 ft3$5.60
4 Bedrooms$8,8841600 ft3$5.55
5+ Bedrooms$9,9051800 ft3$5.50

Top Michigan to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to South Carolina

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Michigan to South Carolina Routes

Detroit to South Carolina

Grand Rapids to South Carolina