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North Carolina to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 255 mile interstate move from North Carolina to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs fewer hurricanes), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ 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 Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Frogmore Stew
  • South Carolina housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in South Carolina is 4.59% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to South Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • Higher taxes
  • Busy urban areas
  • Cold winters
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Fewer hurricanes
  • Lower taxes
  • More relaxed vibe
  • Milder winters

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Fewer mountains
  • Lesser-known tech hubs
  • More tourism focused
  • Warmer year-round
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mountain views
  • Research Triangle Park
  • Diverse economy
  • Varied seasons

Pros of moving from North Carolina to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to fewer hurricanes
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to South Carolina with lower taxes
  • Swap the busy urban areas of North Carolina for a more relaxed vibe in South Carolina
  • Get ready for milder winters in South Carolina

Cons of moving from North Carolina to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mountain views in North Carolina to live with fewer mountains in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of Research Triangle Park and have to settle for the con of lesser-known tech hubs
  • Time to bid farewell to a diverse economy and get used to a more tourism-focused environment in South Carolina
  • Swap varied seasons for a warmer year-round climate

North Carolina vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecueFrogmore Stew
Most popular street food itemHot DogsBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Lexington Barbecue
    • Cook’s Barbecue
    • The Pit Authentic Barbecue
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 (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Hot Dogs, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Frogmore Stew 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 North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Cook’s Barbecue, and The Pit Authentic Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in South Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to South Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Hominy Grill, Husk, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and South Carolina

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth 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 listingOpen floor plans, Granite countertopsOutdoor living spaces, Large windows
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Charleston Single House architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and granite countertops, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor living spaces and large windows.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Carolina is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Carolina is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • South Carolina has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 4.59% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth 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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85-65Β°F90-70Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50-30Β°F60-40Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"48"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 1% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in South Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Carolina is 5 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are NaN degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and South Carolina

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$67,481$64,115
Cost of Living Index95.8596.85
State Income Tax5.25%0% to 7%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%7.44%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Financial Services, AgricultureAgriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyAverageModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 5% less than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in South Carolina will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in SC is 0% to 7% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in South Carolina is moderate compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in South Carolina compared to average in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and low in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. South Carolina

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with urban areas leaning liberalConservatively inclined, with consistent Republican leadership
Local PoliticsLocal government reflects a blend, with cities often swinging liberalGenerally conservative, even in many urban areas
ReligionChristian majority, with a notable presence of evangelical ProtestantsPredominantly Christian, heavily influenced by evangelical Protestantism
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative, with urban areas leaning liberal in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as conservatively inclined, with consistent Republican leadership
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, heavily influenced by evangelical Protestantism
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a notable presence of evangelical Protestants

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina

ComparisonNorth CarolinaSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMetrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Endhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Meeting Street Academy (Spartanburg)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPhillips Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Gold Hill Middle School (Fort Mill)
Moultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte)
Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy (Cary)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
First Baptist School (Charleston)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Fort Mill School District
Lexington 1 School District
Greenville County School District

How Much Do North Carolina to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 255 miles from North Carolina to South Carolina will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,145300 ft3$3.82
1 Bedroom$1,698450 ft3$3.77
2 Bedrooms$2,799750 ft3$3.73
3 Bedrooms$4,0581100 ft3$3.69
4 Bedrooms$5,8351600 ft3$3.65
5+ Bedrooms$6,4871800 ft3$3.60

Top North Carolina to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to South Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details

Charlotte to South Carolina

Raleigh to South Carolina

Greensboro to South Carolina

Durham to South Carolina

Winston-Salem to South Carolina

    Fayetteville to South Carolina

      Cary to South Carolina