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South Carolina to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 426 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs mild summers), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial, charleston style vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich
  • Kentucky housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Kentucky is 20.78% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Kentucky movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

South Carolina to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Kentucky

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Heavy tourism
  • Limited landscapes
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Mild summers
  • No hurricanes
  • Quiet communities
  • Diverse natural scenery

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • No ocean access
  • Lacks coastal history
  • Fewer restaurant options
  • Different culture pace
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Coastal beaches
  • Historical attractions
  • Culinary scene
  • Rich culture

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to mild summers
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Kentucky with no hurricanes
  • Swap the heavy tourism of South Carolina for quiet communities in Kentucky
  • Get ready for diverse natural scenery in Kentucky

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal beaches in South Carolina to live with no ocean access in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical attractions and have to settle for the con of lacking coastal history
  • Time to bid farewell to the culinary scene and get used to fewer restaurant options in Kentucky
  • Swap rich culture for a different cultural pace

South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQHot Brown Turkey Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsBourbon Balls
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensBeer Cheese
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Husk
    • Hominy Grill
    • FIG
    • The Monarch
    • Ramsey's Diner
    • The Brown Hotel
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 Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich and Bourbon Balls 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 Beer Cheese of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and FIG. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Monarch, Ramsey's Diner, and The Brown Hotel.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Kentucky

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Charleston styleColonial, 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 listingPorches, waterfrontLarge yards, horse farms
  • The Colonial and Charleston style architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference porches and waterfront, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and horse farms.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than South Carolina.
  • Kentucky is similarly bike-friendly to South Carolina.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 20.78% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
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, FloodingTornadoes, Ice Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F44Β°F / 27Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.850
Annual Snowfall (Inches)122
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 10% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to South Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in South Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and ice storms in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 3 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows in Kentucky are 11 degrees colder than those in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky, as it receives 0.2 more inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Kentucky

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$64,115$59,341
Cost of Living Index96.8587.8
State Income Tax7.0%5.0%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax7.46%6.0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateAbove average
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 7% less than in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 9% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in KY is 5.0% compared to 7.0% in SC
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is above average in Kentucky compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Carolina and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Kentucky

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
Political Make-upConservative leaningModerately conservative
Local PoliticsStrong Republican presencePolitical balance with a slight Republic lean
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantBaptist predominant
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as moderately conservative
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as Baptist predominant
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Kentucky

ComparisonSouth CarolinaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Oakview Elementary (Simpsonville)
Audubon Traditional (Louisville)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Veteran's Park Elementary (Lexington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle (Mount Pleasant)
Hand Middle (Columbia)
Gold Hill Middle (Fort Mill)
Barret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
Winburn Middle (Lexington)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Dutch Fork High (Irmo)
DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
The Lexington Christian Academy (Lexington)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington 1
Greenville County Schools
Fort Mill Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Bowling Green Independent Schools

How Much Do South Carolina to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 426 miles from South Carolina to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,444300 ft3$4.81
1 Bedroom$2,143450 ft3$4.76
2 Bedrooms$3,535750 ft3$4.71
3 Bedrooms$5,1301100 ft3$4.66
4 Bedrooms$7,3811600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2141800 ft3$4.56

Top South Carolina to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Kentucky

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Charleston featured image

Smooth Move Charleston

9.21/10
ExceptionalView details