Movers

South Carolina to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 493 mile interstate move from South Carolina to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot and humid summers vs mild climate), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs victorian, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings
  • DC housing costs are 111% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in DC is 45.19% more expensive than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

South Carolina to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to DC

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot and humid summers
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
ProsDC iconDC
  • Mild climate
  • Extensive Metro system
  • More diverse job market
  • Rich cultural scene

DC iconDC
  • Higher living expenses
  • Busy, urban lifestyle
  • Less green space
  • Fast-paced environment
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Beautiful natural landscapes
  • Slower pace of life

Pros of moving from South Carolina to DC

  • Say goodbye to hot and humid summers and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to DC with an extensive Metro system
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of South Carolina for a more diverse job market in DC
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in DC

Cons of moving from South Carolina to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in South Carolina to live with higher living expenses in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of a busy, urban lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to beautiful natural landscapes and get used to less green space in DC
  • Swap a slower pace of life for a fast-paced environment

South Carolina vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQMumbo Sauce Chicken Wings
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsJumbo Slice Pizza
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensVegan Ethiopian Cuisine
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Poogan's Porch
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose’s Luxury
  • Zaytinya
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 DC, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce, Chicken Wings, and Jumbo Slice Pizza 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 Vegan Ethiopian Cuisine of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and Poogan's Porch. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose’s Luxury, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and DC

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchVictorian, Federal
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 listingLarge yards, GaragesProximity to metros, Rooftop decks
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings, which commonly reference large yards and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metros and rooftop decks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • DC housing costs are 111% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in DC is 45.19% more expensive than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
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, floodsBlizzards, hurricanes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F/71Β°F87Β°F/71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F/38Β°F47Β°F/28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.8"39.7"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"15.4"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to DC. DC gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • DC has lower humidity and a lower 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 blizzards and hurricanes in DC.
  • The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 10.1 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and DC

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
Avg. Household Income$64,115$101,027
Cost of Living Index96.85140.1
State Income Tax0-7%4-10%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.85%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismGovernment, Education, Health Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableModerate
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 58% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in DC is 45% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in DC is 4-10% compared to 0-7% in SC
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in DC compared to notable in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in South Carolina and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. DC

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
Political Make-upConservative-leaningLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state officesDemocratic stronghold with high federal government influence
ReligionStrongly influence, predominantly ChristianMore religiously diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as strongly influenced, predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to DC

ComparisonSouth CarolinaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mitchell Road Elementary (Greenville)
Lake Carolina Elementary (Columbia)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Mann Elementary (Washington)
Lafayette Elementary (Washington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Greenville Middle Academy (Greenville)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Capitol Hill Montessori School (Washington)
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Wilson High School (Washington)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHammond School (Columbia)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)
Top 3 School DistrictsGreenville County School District
Lexington District One
Charleston County School District
District of Columbia Public Schools

How Much Do South Carolina to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 493 miles from South Carolina to DC will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,260300 ft3$4.20
1 Bedroom$1,870450 ft3$4.16
2 Bedrooms$3,085750 ft3$4.11
3 Bedrooms$4,4791100 ft3$4.07
4 Bedrooms$6,4461600 ft3$4.03
5+ Bedrooms$7,1761800 ft3$3.99

Top South Carolina to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top South Carolina to DC Routes