Pennsylvania to South Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 11, 2025

Planning a 680 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high property taxes vs lower property taxes), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs colonial, lowcountry), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh-style steak, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Pulled pork barbecue
- South Carolina housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
- Rent in South Carolina is 11.38% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
- Moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Pennsylvania to South Carolina movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Pennsylvania to South Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina
- High property taxes
- Cold winters
- Higher cost of living
- Limited beaches
- Lower property taxes
- Mild winters
- Affordable cost of living
- Coastal access
- Fewer historic sites
- Education challenges
- Humid summers
- Fewer cultural hubs
- Rich history
- Excellent education
- Diverse seasons
- Renowned museums
Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina
- Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
- Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to South Carolina with mild winters
- Swap the higher cost of living in Pennsylvania for an affordable cost of living in South Carolina
- Get ready for coastal access in South Carolina
Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historic sites in South Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of excellent education and have to settle for the con of education challenges
- Time to bid farewell to diverse seasons and get used to humid summers in South Carolina
- Swap renowned museums for fewer cultural hubs
Pennsylvania vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Shrimp and Grits |
Most popular meat dish | Pittsburgh-style steak | Pulled pork barbecue |
Most popular street food item | Pretzels | Boiled peanuts |
Most popular vegan food | Mushroom Philly | Collard greens |
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 Pennsylvania to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh-style steak and sumptuous Pretzels, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork Barbecue and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Philly 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Primanti Bros. 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 Bowen's Island Restaurant.
When comparing lifestyles, South Carolina shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Pennsylvania. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in South Carolina compared to what you are used to in Pennsylvania. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in South Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and South Carolina
Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Victorian | Colonial, Lowcountry |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Porch, Ocean view |
- The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Lowcountry architecture typical of South Carolina.
- Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like porches and ocean views.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Carolina is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
- South Carolina is similarly bike-friendly to Pennsylvania.
- South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
- South Carolina housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Pennsylvaniaβs $261,312.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
- Rent in South Carolina is 11.38% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Pennsylvania and South Carolina
Comparison | Pennsylvania | 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 | Snowstorms, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85/62 | 91/71 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 33/18 | 60/38 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 49.8 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 38 | 1 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 21% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
- South Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania, 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 6 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
- The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 7.8 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and South Carolina
Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $64,115 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 96.85 |
State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0-7% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.58% | 0.55% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34% | 7.44% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Tourism, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Mixed |
Poverty | Average | Higher |
Homelessness | Moderate | Lower |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 11% less than in Pennsylvania
- The COLI in South Carolina will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
- The state income tax in SC is 0-7% compared to 3.07% in PA
- The affluence in South Carolina is mixed compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
- The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to average in Pennsylvania
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and lower in South Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. South Carolina
Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Slightly leans Democratic | Strongly leans Republican |
Local Politics | Mixed, urban areas more liberal | Conservative, with notable exceptions in urban areas |
Religion | Mainly Christian, with a significant number of Catholics | Primarily Protestant, particularly Evangelical |
- Pennsylvania tends to lean slightly 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 primarily Protestant, particularly Evangelical
- Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Christian, with a significant number of Catholics
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina
Comparison | Pennsylvania | South Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Pennsylvania State University (University Park) Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh) | University of South Carolina (Columbia) Clemson University (Clemson) College of Charleston (Charleston) |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Masterman Julia R Sec School (Philadelphia) Haverford School (Haverford) Sewickley Academy (Sewickley) | Buist Academy (Charleston) Clemson Elementary (Clemson) New Providence Elementary (Lexington) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth) Harriton Senior High School (Rosemont) | Gold Hill Middle School (Fort Mill) Ocean Bay Middle School (Myrtle Beach) Langston Charter Middle School (Greenville) |
Top 3 High Schools | North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford) Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn) Central High School (Philadelphia) | Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston) Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (Hartsville) |
Top 3 private high schools | Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) The Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square) The Hill School (Pottstown) | Porter-Gaud School (Charleston) Hammond School (Columbia) Ashley Hall (Charleston) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg) The Haverford School (Haverford) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) | Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island) Pinewood Preparatory School (Summerville) Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg) |
Top 3 School Districts | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Wayne) Radnor Township School District (Radnor) North Allegheny School District (Pittsburgh) | Fort Mill School District (Fort Mill) Lexington District One (Lexington) Spartanburg School District Seven (Spartanburg) |
How Much Do Pennsylvania to South Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 680 miles from Pennsylvania 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: 1-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,350 | 300 ft3 | $4.50 |
1 Bedroom | $2,006 | 450 ft3 | $4.46 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,311 | 750 ft3 | $4.41 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,809 | 1100 ft3 | $4.37 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,927 | 1600 ft3 | $4.33 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,716 | 1800 ft3 | $4.29 |
Top Pennsylvania to South Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Pennsylvania to South Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to South Carolina