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South Carolina to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 2,377 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high summer humidity vs cooler, dry summers), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Rocky Mountain Oysters
  • Idaho housing costs are 54% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Idaho is 2.26% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

South Carolina to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Idaho

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High summer humidity
  • Frequent hurricanes
  • Dense population
  • Higher property taxes
  • Coastal flooding risk
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Cooler, dry summers
  • Less extreme weather
  • Open spaces
  • Lower property taxes
  • Stable landscapes

Idaho iconIdaho
  • No ocean beaches
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Limited culinary variety
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Fewer golf courses
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Beach access
  • Rich history and culture
  • Southern cuisine
  • Mild winters
  • Golf opportunities

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high summer humidity and hello to cooler, dry summers
  • Look forward to moving away from frequent hurricanes and moving to Idaho with less extreme weather
  • Swap the dense population of South Carolina for open spaces in Idaho
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Idaho

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beach access in South Carolina to live with no ocean beaches in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and culture and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to southern cuisine and get used to limited culinary variety in Idaho
  • Swap mild winters for cold, snowy winters

South Carolina vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodOkra StewLentil Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Bowen's Island Restaurant
  • FIG
  • Boise Fry Company
  • The Basque Market
  • Trillium
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 Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Idaho residents know they have tasty Rocky Mountain Oysters and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Chili of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Bowen's Island Restaurant, and FIG. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, The Basque Market, and Trillium.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Idaho

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, 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 listingLarge yards, proximity to beachesMountain views, outdoor activities
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to beaches, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor activities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than South Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Idaho is less bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Idaho has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Idaho housing costs are 54% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Idaho is 2.26% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
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, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F34Β°F / 19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.818.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)160
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Idaho. Idaho gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Idaho 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 5 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 30.9 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Idaho

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
Avg. Household Income$64,115$72,785
Cost of Living Index96.8591.5
State Income Tax3% to 7%1% to 6%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, TourismAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 14% more than in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Idaho is 6% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in ID is 1% to 6% compared to 3% to 7% in SC
  • The affluence in Idaho is moderate compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Idaho compared to noticeable in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in South Carolina and low in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Idaho

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
Political Make-upLean ConservativeStrongly Conservative
Local PoliticsMore focus on state and local issuesHighly engaged in federal and local matters
ReligionLargely Christian, with a significant Baptist presencePredominantly Christian, with a notable Mormon community
  • South Carolina tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Conservative
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with a notable Mormon community
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Idaho

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Clemson Elementary (Clemson)
White Pine Elementary (Boise)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Galileo STEM Academy (Eagle)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMontessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
League Academy (Greenville)
Heritage Middle School (Meridian)
Lake Hazel Middle School (Boise)
North Star Charter School (Eagle)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Dutch Fork High School (Irmo)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
Coeur d'Alene High School (Coeur d'Alene)
Boise High School (Boise)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington 1
Greenville County Schools
Charleston County School District
Boise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d'Alene School District

How Much Do South Carolina to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,377 miles from South Carolina to Idaho will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,550300 ft3$8.50
1 Bedroom$3,803450 ft3$8.45
2 Bedrooms$6,300750 ft3$8.40
3 Bedrooms$9,1851100 ft3$8.35
4 Bedrooms$13,2801600 ft3$8.30
5+ Bedrooms$14,8501800 ft3$8.25

Top South Carolina to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
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 Idaho Routes

Charleston to Idaho