South Carolina to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to California

ConsSouth Carolina

• High humidity
• Hurricane risks
• Limited tech industry
• Poor public transport

ProsCalifornia

• Mild, comfortable weather
• Fewer natural disasters
• Thriving tech hub
• Robust public transport

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California

• Higher cost of living
• Dense city traffic
• High taxes overall
• Water scarcity

South Carolina

• Friendly communities
• Quaint small towns
• Low property taxes
• Bountiful nature

Pros of moving from South Carolina to California

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to mild, comfortable weather
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane risks and moving to California with fewer natural disasters
• Swap the limited tech industry of South Carolina for a thriving tech hub in California
• Get ready for robust public transport in California

Cons of moving from South Carolina to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in South Carolina to live with a higher cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of quaint small towns and have to settle for the con of dense city traffic
• Time to bid farewell to low property taxes and get used to high taxes overall in California
• Swap bountiful nature for water scarcity

South Carolina vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Carolina to California, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and Hall's Chophouse. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The French Laundry, n/naka, and Zuni Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and California

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and porches, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and open floor plans.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than South Carolina.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
• California has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
• California housing costs are 167% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
• Rent in California is 64.96% more expensive than in South Carolina.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Carolina to California. California gets 31% more sunshine days than South Carolina.
• California has lower 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 5 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Carolina.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 27.6 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 43% more than in South Carolina
• The COLI in California is 41% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 7% in SC
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in South Carolina
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate in South Carolina
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Carolina and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. California

• South Carolina tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant number of people identifying as non-religious
• South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a strong Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to California

How Much Do South Carolina to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,508 miles from South Carolina to California will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.