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South Carolina to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 701 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity in summers vs less humidity), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Arkansas is 20.37% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

South Carolina to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Arkansas

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Humidity in summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Tourism crowd
  • Higher cost of living
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Less humidity
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • More affordable living

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • No ocean coastline
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Rural areas dominance
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Beautiful coastline
  • Mild winters
  • Rich in history
  • Well-developed cities

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to humidity in summers and hello to less humidity
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Arkansas with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the tourism crowd of South Carolina for a quieter lifestyle in Arkansas
  • Get ready for more affordable living in Arkansas

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful coastline in South Carolina to live with no ocean coastline in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of colder winters
  • Time to bid farewell to the rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in Arkansas
  • Swap well-developed cities for rural area dominance

South Carolina vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQSmoked Ribs
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsBiscuits and Gravy
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk Charleston
  • Hominy Grill
  • FIG
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Sim's Bar-B-Que
  • The Southern Belle Cafe
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 South Carolina to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Ribs and Biscuits and Gravy 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 Bean Burgers of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk Charleston, Hominy Grill, and FIG. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, Sim's Bar-B-Que, and The Southern Belle Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Arkansas

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchRanch, Craftsman
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 listingHardwood floors, waterfrontLake view, large yards
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and waterfront, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away, as Arkansas is less walkable than South Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike, as Arkansas is less bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 20.37% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90/7092/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60/3851/32
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.850.6
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Carolina to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 0% more sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in South Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
  • The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 2 degrees warmer than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 0.8 more inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Arkansas

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$64,115$55,432
Cost of Living Index96.8590.5
State Income Tax0% - 7%0% - 5.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7.46%9.53%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, HealthcareAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 14% less than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 7% lower than what you are used to in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in AR is 0% - 5.5% compared to 0% - 7% in SC
  • The affluence in Arkansas is low compared to moderate affluence in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in South Carolina and lower in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Arkansas

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanLeans Republican
Local PoliticsConservativeConservative, with some progressive pockets
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantPrimarily Protestant, significant Baptist presence
  • South Carolina tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a significant Baptist presence
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Arkansas

ComparisonSouth CarolinaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Lexington Elementary (Lexington)
Baker Interdistrict Elementary School (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary School (Fayetteville)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Lisa Academy North (Sherwood)
Haas Hall Academy Bentonville (Bentonville)
LISA Academy West Middle (Little Rock)
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School (Bentonville)
Central High School (Little Rock)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)
Hammond School (Columbia)
The Anthony School (Little Rock)
Subiaco Academy (Subiaco)
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington 1
Charleston County
Greenville County
Fayetteville
Bentonville
Little Rock School District

How Much Do South Carolina to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 701 miles from South Carolina to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,600300 ft3$5.33
1 Bedroom$2,377450 ft3$5.28
2 Bedrooms$3,925750 ft3$5.23
3 Bedrooms$5,7011100 ft3$5.18
4 Bedrooms$8,2131600 ft3$5.13
5+ Bedrooms$9,1491800 ft3$5.08

Top South Carolina to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top South Carolina to Arkansas Routes

Charleston to Arkansas