South Carolina to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 6, 2025

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
- High summer humidity
- Frequent hurricanes
- Dense population
- Higher property taxes
- Coastal flooding risk
- Cooler, dry summers
- Less extreme weather
- Open spaces
- Lower property taxes
- Stable landscapes
- No ocean beaches
- Fewer historical sites
- Limited culinary variety
- Cold, snowy winters
- Fewer golf courses
- 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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Idaho Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork BBQ | Rocky Mountain Oysters |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Stew | Lentil Chili |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Ranch, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to beaches | Mountain 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 Carolinaβs $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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 85Β°F / 55Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 60Β°F / 38Β°F | 34Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 49.8 | 18.9 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 60 |
- 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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $64,115 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.85 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 3% to 7% | 1% to 6% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.56% | 0.63% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Tourism | Agriculture, Technology, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Noticeable | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- 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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Strongly Conservative |
Local Politics | More focus on state and local issues | Highly engaged in federal and local matters |
Religion | Largely Christian, with a significant Baptist presence | Predominantly 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
Comparison | South Carolina | Idaho |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Buist 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 Schools | Montessori 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 Schools | Academic 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 schools | Porter-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 schools | Hammond 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 Districts | Lexington 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,550 | 300 ft3 | $8.50 |
1 Bedroom | $3,803 | 450 ft3 | $8.45 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,300 | 750 ft3 | $8.40 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,185 | 1100 ft3 | $8.35 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,280 | 1600 ft3 | $8.30 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,850 | 1800 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.

208 Moving Company
Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Idaho