North Dakota to South Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 1,686 mile interstate move from North Dakota to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like frigid winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Lefse vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Lefse and Bison Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Pulled Pork BBQ
- South Carolina housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
- Rent in South Carolina is 61.92% more expensive than in North Dakota
- Moving from North Dakota to South Carolina will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended North Dakota to South Carolina movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
North Dakota to South Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to South Carolina
- Frigid winters
- Limited job market
- Low population density
- Lack of amenities
- Mild winters
- Economic growth
- More communities
- Rich culture and amenities
- Higher living costs
- Hurricanes
- Heavy traffic
- More crowded
- Low cost of living
- Peaceful surroundings
- Less traffic
- Wide open spaces
Pros of moving from North Dakota to South Carolina
- Say goodbye to frigid winters and hello to mild winters
- Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to South Carolina with economic growth
- Swap the low population density of North Dakota for more communities in South Carolina
- Get ready for rich culture and amenities in South Carolina
Cons of moving from North Dakota to South Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in North Dakota to live with higher living costs in South Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of peaceful surroundings and have to settle with the con of hurricanes
- Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to heavy traffic in South Carolina
- Swap wide open spaces for a more crowded environment
North Dakota vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Lefse | Shrimp and Grits |
Most popular meat dish | Bison Steak | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Walleye Fish Tacos | Fried Green Tomatoes |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Okra Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from North Dakota to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Walleye Fish Tacos, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork BBQ and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Stew of South Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Kroll's Diner, The HoDo Restaurant, and Pitchfork Steak Fondue. 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, Bowens Island Restaurant, and Hominy Grill.
When comparing lifestyles, South Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in South Carolina, compared to what you are used to in North Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in South Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and South Carolina
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial Revival |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Proximity to nature | Historic homes, Coastal access |
- The Ranch architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of South Carolina.
- Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to nature, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and coastal access.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Carolina is more walkable than North Dakota.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Carolina is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
- South Carolina has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
- South Carolina housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to North Dakotaβs $253,395.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
- Rent in South Carolina is 61.92% more expensive than in North Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Dakota and South Carolina
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 57Β°F | 91Β°F / 71Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 18Β°F / 0Β°F | 60Β°F / 38Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 17-30" | 40-80" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 30-60" | 0-5" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 8% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
- South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Dakota.
- Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in North Dakota and 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 9 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
- The average winter lows are 38 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 23 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and South Carolina
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,970 | $64,115 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.3 | 96.85 |
State Income Tax | 2.90% | 7.00% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.00% | 0.55% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.85% | 7.46% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare | Tourism, Manufacturing, Agriculture |
Affluence | Stable | Growing |
Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
Homelessness | Minimal | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 11% less than in North Dakota
- The COLI in South Carolina is 2% higher than what you are used to living in North Dakota
- The state income tax in SC is 7.00% compared to 2.90% in ND
- The affluence in South Carolina is growing compared to stable in North Dakota
- The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to moderate in North Dakota
- In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in North Dakota and noticeable in South Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. South Carolina
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Lean Republican |
Local Politics | Conservative-leaning local government | Conservative-leaning local government, with notable exceptions in urban areas |
Religion | Christianity dominant, particularly Lutheran and Catholic | Christianity dominant, with a strong Baptist presence |
- North Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
- South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
- South Carolina's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant, with a strong Baptist presence
- North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant, particularly Lutheran and Catholic
Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to South Carolina
Comparison | North Dakota | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of North Dakota North Dakota State University Minot State University | University of South Carolina Clemson University College of Charleston |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Freedom Elementary (West Fargo) Liberty Elementary (Bismarck) Centennial Elementary (Fargo) | Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant) Buist Academy (Charleston) Clemson Elementary (Clemson) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo) Wachter Middle School (Bismarck) Discovery Middle School (Fargo) | Hand Middle School (Columbia) Greenville Middle Academy (Greenville) Gold Hill Middle School (Fort Mill) |
Top 3 High Schools | Central High School (Grand Forks) Fargo North High School (Fargo) Century High School (Bismarck) | Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) Governorβs School for Science & Mathematics (Hartsville) Dutch Fork High School (Irmo) |
Top 3 private high schools | Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) Fargo Shanley High School (Fargo) | Porter-Gaud School (Charleston) Hammond School (Columbia) Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Dakota Montessori School (Fargo) Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo) Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck) | Porter-Gaud School (Charleston) Hammond School (Columbia) Ashley Hall (Charleston) |
Top 3 School Districts | Fargo Public Schools Bismarck Public Schools Grand Forks Public Schools | Lexington 1 Fort Mill Schools Greenville County Schools |
How Much Do North Dakota to South Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 1,686 miles from North Dakota to South Carolina will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,158 | 300 ft3 | $7.19 |
1 Bedroom | $3,215 | 450 ft3 | $7.14 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,321 | 750 ft3 | $7.09 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,749 | 1100 ft3 | $7.04 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,191 | 1600 ft3 | $6.99 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,500 | 1800 ft3 | $6.94 |
Top North Dakota to South Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Dakota to South Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
Best moving company overall for North Dakota to South Carolina
Swamp Rabbit Moving
