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South Carolina to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 1,085 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher summer humidity vs milder summer weather), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (colonial and brick vs prairie and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Iowa is 34.62% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

South Carolina to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Iowa

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Higher summer humidity
  • Occasional hurricanes
  • More crowded beaches
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Milder summer weather
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Open countryside

Iowa iconIowa
  • Landlocked state
  • Limited food variety
  • Cold, snowy winters
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Coastal lifestyle
  • Southern cuisine
  • Warm winters

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to higher summer humidity and hello to milder summer weather
  • Look forward to moving away from occasional hurricanes and moving to Iowa with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the more crowded beaches of South Carolina for open countryside in Iowa

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the coastal lifestyle in South Carolina to live in a landlocked state in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of Southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of limited food variety
  • Time to bid farewell to warm winters and get used to cold snowy winters in Iowa

South Carolina vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsWalking Tacos
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensSweet Corn Gazpacho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Poogan's Porch
  • The High Life Lounge
  • Zombie Burger
  • Amana Colonies
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 Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Tacos 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 Sweet Corn Gazpacho of Iowa. 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 Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The High Life Lounge, Zombie Burger, and Amana Colonies.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Iowa

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and BrickPrairie and Ranch
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 listingOceanfront, PorchesFamily-friendly, Quiet streets
  • The Colonial and Brick architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference oceanfront properties and porches, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly environments and quiet streets.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Iowa housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Iowa is 34.62% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
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, blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.836.0
Annual Snowfall (Inches)136
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Iowa. Iowa gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Iowa has higher 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 tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 5 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows in Iowa are 24 degrees colder than those in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 13.8 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Iowa

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Avg. Household Income$64,115$69,588
Cost of Living Index96.8595.9
State Income Tax3-7%0.33-8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax7.46%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Tourism, Automotive ManufacturingAgriculture, Manufacturing, Finance
AffluenceAverageModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessAverageLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 9% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in IA is 0.33-8.53% compared to 3-7% in SC
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to average in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is average in South Carolina and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Iowa

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Political Make-upConservatively LeanedModerately Varied
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceMixed, with swings
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantMainline Protestant
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservatively in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as moderately varied
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as mainline Protestant
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Iowa

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Charleston Development Academy (Charleston)
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
Bettendorf Middle School (Bettendorf)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTrident Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Camden Military Academy (Camden)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
Top 3 School DistrictsCharleston County School District
Greenville County School District
Lexington School District One
West Des Moines Community School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District

How Much Do South Carolina to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,085 miles from South Carolina to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,818300 ft3$6.06
1 Bedroom$2,704450 ft3$6.01
2 Bedrooms$4,469750 ft3$5.96
3 Bedrooms$6,5001100 ft3$5.91
4 Bedrooms$9,3741600 ft3$5.86
5+ Bedrooms$10,4561800 ft3$5.81

Top South Carolina to Iowa Movers

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

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
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 Iowa Routes

Charleston to Iowa