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Rhode Island to South Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 884 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to South Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs South Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Stuffies vs Shrimp and Grits), real estate & housing (colonial vs colonial and antebellum), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies and Grilled Portuguese sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Shrimp and Grits & Barbecue Pulled Pork
  • South Carolina housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in South Carolina is 20.60% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to South Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to South Carolina movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Rhode Island to South Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to South Carolina

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited space
  • High taxes
ProsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower living expenses
  • Milder winters
  • More spacious homes
  • Lower taxes

South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Prone to hurricanes
  • Less public transit
  • Fewer cultural events
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Historical charm
  • Culinary delights
  • Vibrant arts scene

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to South Carolina

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to South Carolina with milder winters
  • Swap the limited space of Rhode Island for more spacious homes in South Carolina
  • Get ready for lower taxes in South Carolina

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to South Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastlines in Rhode Island to live with hot, humid summers in South Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical charm and have to settle for the con of being prone to hurricanes
  • Time to bid farewell to culinary delights and get used to less public transit in South Carolina
  • Swap the vibrant arts scene for fewer cultural events

Rhode Island vs. South Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemStuffiesShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishGrilled Portuguese sausageBarbecue Pulled Pork
Most popular street food itemClam CakesBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodSeitan sandwichCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al Forno
  • Iggy's Doughboys
  • Blount Clam Shack
  • Home Team BBQ
  • Husk
  • Poogan's Porch
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 Rhode Island to South Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Grilled Portuguese Sausage and sumptuous Clam Cakes, South Carolina residents know they have tasty Barbecue Pulled Pork and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan sandwich 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 Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Iggy's Doughboys, and Blount Clam Shack. After the boxes are unpacked in South Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to South Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Home Team BBQ, Husk, and Poogan's Porch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and South Carolina

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonialColonial and Antebellum
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 listingSeaside Views, HistoryGolf Courses, Beaches
  • The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Antebellum architecture typical of South Carolina.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference seaside views and history, South Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like golf courses and beaches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Carolina is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • South Carolina is similarly bike-friendly to Rhode Island.
  • South Carolina has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • South Carolina housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $293,893 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Carolina have increased by 58% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in South Carolina is 20.60% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth 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, Nor'eastersHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F60Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"49"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to South Carolina. South Carolina gets 7% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • South Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and nor'easters in Rhode Island, 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 9 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Carolina. South Carolina receives 1 inch less of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and South Carolina

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$81,854$64,115
Cost of Living Index123.396.85
State Income Tax3.75% - 5.99%0% - 7%
Avg. Property Tax1.63%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealth Care, Education, Financial ServicesAerospace, Automotive, Tourism
AffluenceModerately WealthyModestly Wealthy
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLess PrevalentNotable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Carolina tend to earn about 22% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in South Carolina will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in South Carolina is 0% - 7% compared to 3.75% - 5.99% in Rhode Island
  • The affluence in South Carolina is modestly wealthy compared to moderately wealthy in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is higher in South Carolina compared to moderate in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is less prevalent in Rhode Island and notable in South Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. South Carolina

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth Carolina
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasConservative, especially in rural areas
ReligionCatholic majorityEvangelical Protestant majority
  • Rhode Island tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • South Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • South Carolina's religious environment can be described as an evangelical Protestant majority
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Catholic majority

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to South Carolina

ComparisonRhode IslandSouth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Brown University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Barrington; Community School
Cumberland; Nayatt School
Barrington
Buist Academy
Charleston; Mount Pleasant Academy
Mount Pleasant; Clemson Elementary
Clemson
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle
Barrington; Wickford Middle
North Kingstown; Portsmouth Middle
Portsmouth
Charleston School of the Arts
North Charleston; Hand Middle
Columbia; Gold Hill Middle
Fort Mill
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High
Providence; Barrington High
Barrington; East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Academic Magnet High
North Charleston; Charleston School of the Arts
North Charleston; Wando High
Mount Pleasant
Top 3 private high schoolsMoses Brown School
Providence; St. George's School
Middletown; The Wheeler School
Providence
Porter-Gaud School
Charleston; Hammond School
Columbia; Christ Church Episcopal School
Greenville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Wheeler School
Providence; St. George's School
Middletown; Moses Brown School
Providence
Hammond School
Columbia; Ashley Hall
Charleston; Hilton Head Christian Academy
Hilton Head Island
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington Public Schools; East Greenwich Public Schools; Scituate Public SchoolsFort Mill School District; Lexington School District One; Charleston County School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to South Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 884 miles from Rhode Island 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 - $5,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,448300 ft3$4.83
1 Bedroom$2,153450 ft3$4.78
2 Bedrooms$3,556750 ft3$4.74
3 Bedrooms$5,1691100 ft3$4.70
4 Bedrooms$7,4511600 ft3$4.66
5+ Bedrooms$8,3061800 ft3$4.61

Top Rhode Island to South Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to South Carolina

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
Top Rhode Island to South Carolina Routes

Providence to South Carolina