South Carolina to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Alabama

ConsSouth Carolina

• Higher cost of living
• Hurricane season impact
• Heavy traffic in cities
• Tourist-heavy locations
• Job market competition

ProsAlabama

• Lower cost of living
• Less severe weather
• Less congested roads
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Emerging job opportunities

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Alabama

• Limited cultural events
• Fewer beach options
• Fewer diverse restaurants
• Fewer higher ed options
• Colder winter temperatures

South Carolina

• Rich history and culture
• Beautiful coastline
• Southern cuisine variety
• Well-established colleges
• Mild winter weather

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Alabama

• Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from the hurricane season impact and moving to Alabama with less severe weather
• Swap the heavy traffic in the cities of South Carolina for less congested roads in Alabama
• Get ready for quieter neighborhoods in Alabama

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in South Carolina to live with limited cultural events in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of a beautiful coastline and have to settle with the con of fewer beach options
• Time to bid farewell to the southern cuisine variety and get used to fewer diverse restaurants in Alabama
• Swap well-established colleges for fewer higher ed options

South Carolina vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Carolina to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Alabama BBQ of Alabama. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Alabama residents know they have tasty Smoked Chicken with White Sauce and Conecuh Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-Eyed Peas of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk - Charleston, FIG - Charleston, and Bowens Island Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill - Birmingham, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q - Decatur, and The Bright Star - Bessemer.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Alabama

• The Colonial and Charleston Single architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and historic districts, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and proximity to schools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alabama is less walkable than South Carolina.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alabama is less bike-friendly than South Carolina.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
• Alabama housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased 45% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
• Rent in Alabama is 10.81% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Alabama. Alabama gets 1% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Carolina.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in South Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama.
• The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 1 degree warmer than in South Carolina.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 7 more inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 7% less than in South Carolina
• The COLI in Alabama is 6% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
• The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 7% in SC
• The affluence in Alabama is moderate compared to moderate in South Carolina
• The poverty level is moderate in Alabama compared to moderate in South Carolina
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Carolina and low in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Alabama

• South Carolina tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as evangelical Protestant
• South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Alabama

How Much Do South Carolina to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 399 miles from South Carolina to Alabama 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.