South Carolina to Minnesota Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 1,380 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like summer humidity vs cooler summers), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (colonial, charleston-style vs prairie, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Barbecue Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
- Minnesota housing costs are 13% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
- Rent in Minnesota is 0.83% more expensive than in South Carolina
- Moving from South Carolina to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
- Our top recommended South Carolina to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers
South Carolina to Minnesota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Minnesota
- Summer humidity
- Hurricane risk
- Lack of winter activities
- Limited public transit
- High pollen levels
- Cooler summers
- Severe weather less frequent
- Numerous winter sports
- Better transportation options
- Lower allergy triggers
- Harsh winters
- No ocean beaches
- Diverse but different food
- Higher heating costs
- Cultural adjustment
- Mild winters
- Coastal beaches
- Southern cuisine
- Lower heating costs
- Familiar culture
Pros of moving from South Carolina to Minnesota
- Say goodbye to summer humidity and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Minnesota with severe weather less frequent
- Swap the lack of winter activities of South Carolina for numerous winter sports in Minnesota
- Get ready for better transportation options in Minnesota
Cons of moving from South Carolina to Minnesota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in South Carolina to live with harsh winters in Minnesota
- You'll lose out on the pro of coastal beaches and have to settle for the con of no ocean beaches
- Time to bid farewell to southern cuisine and get used to diverse but different food in Minnesota
- Swap lower heating costs for higher heating costs
South Carolina vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Hotdish |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Pulled Pork | Walleye |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Juicy Lucy Burger |
Most popular vegan food | Collard Greens | Wild Rice Soup |
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 Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Barbecue Pulled Pork and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy Burger 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 Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Home Team BBQ, and Fleet Landing. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and Surly Brewing Co.
When comparing lifestyles, Minnesota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than South Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Minnesota compared to what you are used to in South Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Minnesota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Minnesota
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Charleston-style | Prairie, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, proximity to beaches | Lakeside views, energy efficiency |
- The Colonial and Charleston-style architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
- Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to beaches, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and energy efficiency.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than South Carolina.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
- Minnesota has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
- Minnesota housing costs are 13% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to South Carolinaβs $293,893.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
- Rent in Minnesota is 0.83% more expensive than in South Carolina.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between South Carolina and Minnesota
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
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 | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Very Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 83Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 58Β°F / 38Β°F | 24Β°F / 7Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 49.8 | 30.2 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 60 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 9% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
- Minnesota 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 blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 7 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
- The average winter lows are 31 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 19.6 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.
Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Minnesota
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $64,115 | $82,338 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.85 | 98.75 |
State Income Tax | 7% | 9.85% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.57% | 1.10% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.46% | 7.38% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Notable | Lower |
Homelessness | Visible | Lesser |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 28% more than those in South Carolina
- The COLI in Minnesota will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
- The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 7% in SC
- The affluence in Minnesota is higher compared to moderate affluence in South Carolina
- The poverty level is lower in Minnesota compared to notable poverty in South Carolina
- In terms of homelessness, it is visible in South Carolina and lesser in Minnesota
Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Minnesota
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative-leaning | Liberal-leaning |
Local Politics | Republican dominance | Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party prevalence |
Religion | Evangelical Protestant | Lutheran |
- South Carolina tends to lean conservative in its political climate
- Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
- Minnesota's religious environment can be described as Lutheran
- South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Minnesota
Comparison | South Carolina | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Clemson University University of South Carolina College of Charleston | University of Minnesota Minnesota State University St. Olaf College |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Buist Academy (Charleston) Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant) Forestbrook Elementary School (Myrtle Beach) | Scenic Heights Elementary School (Minnetonka) Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven) Creek Valley Elementary (Edina) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston) Greenville Middle Academy (Greenville) Marrington Middle School of the Arts (Goose Creek) | Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth) Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka) Twin Oaks Middle School (Prior Lake) |
Top 3 High Schools | Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston) Dutch Fork High School (Irmo) | Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka) Eden Prairie High School (Eden Prairie) Edina High School (Edina) |
Top 3 private high schools | Porter-Gaud School (Charleston) Hammond School (Columbia) Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg) | Breck School (Golden Valley) The Blake School (Minneapolis) St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island) Charles Towne Montessori (Charleston) Greenwood Christian School (Greenwood) | Breck School (Golden Valley) The Blake School (Minneapolis) Mounds Park Academy (Saint Paul) |
Top 3 School Districts | Lexington 1 Fort Mill Schools Greenville County School District | Minnetonka Public Schools Edina Public Schools Wayzata Public Schools |
How Much Do South Carolina to Minnesota Movers Cost?
Moving 1,380 miles from South Carolina to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 4-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,985 | 300 ft3 | $6.62 |
1 Bedroom | $2,955 | 450 ft3 | $6.57 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,887 | 750 ft3 | $6.52 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,113 | 1100 ft3 | $6.47 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,266 | 1600 ft3 | $6.42 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,459 | 1800 ft3 | $6.37 |
Top South Carolina to Minnesota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Carolina to Minnesota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Metro Movers
Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Minnesota