SC to MT Moving Specialists

South Carolina to Montana Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 2,130 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cooler summer climates), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Bison Steak), real estate & housing (colonial, traditional vs rustic, log cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Montana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Bison Steak & Elk Meatloaf
  • Montana housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Montana is 14.73% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Montana will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Montana movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
South Carolina to Montana featured image

Top South Carolina to Montana Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best South Carolina to Montana 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 Montana

9.34/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.33/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Charleston featured image

Smooth Move Charleston

9.21/10
Exceptional

South Carolina to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Montana

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Heavy traffic
  • Pollen allergies
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Cooler summer climates
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • Lighter traffic
  • Less pollen in the air

Montana iconMontana
  • Cold, harsh winters
  • Fewer Southern restaurant options
  • Landlocked state
  • Fewer established historical sites
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warm winters
  • Southern cuisine
  • Proximity to beaches
  • Historical landmarks

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Montana

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to cooler summer climates
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Montana with lower natural disaster risk
  • Swap the heavy traffic of South Carolina for lighter traffic in Montana
  • Get ready for less pollen in the air in Montana

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in South Carolina to live with cold, harsh winters in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of Southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer Southern restaurant options
  • Time to bid farewell to proximity to beaches and get used to being in a landlocked state in Montana
  • Swap historical landmarks for fewer established historical sites

South Carolina vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsBison Steak
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQElk Meatloaf
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsHuckleberry Hand Pies
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Bowens Island Restaurant
  • McCradys
  • The Notorious P.I.G BBQ
  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • Saffron Table
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from South Carolina to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Bison Steak of Montana. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Montana residents know they have tasty Elk Meatloaf and Huckleberry Hand Pies 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 Quinoa Salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Bowens Island Restaurant, and McCrady's. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like The Notorious P.I.G BBQ, Buck's T-4 Lodge, and Saffron Table.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Montana

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, TraditionalRustic, Log Cabin
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 listingHistoric properties, Beach proximityMountain views, Large acreage
  • The Colonial and Traditional architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Log Cabin architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference historic properties and beach proximity, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large acreage.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than South Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Montana is less bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Montana housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Montana is 14.73% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
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, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F82Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F28Β°F / 12Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.815.3
Annual Snowfall (Inches)186
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Montana. Montana gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Montana 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 snowstorms in Montana.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 8 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows in Montana are 26 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 34.5 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Montana

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
Avg. Household Income$64,115$67,631
Cost of Living Index96.8599.4
State Income Tax3% - 7%1% - 6.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismMining, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 5% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Montana is 3% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in MT is 1% - 6.9% compared to 3% - 7% in SC
  • The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Carolina and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Montana

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
Political Make-upReliably conservative in statewide and federal races; strong Republican majorities in the legislature and congressional delegation.Generally conservative tilt with Republican control of the legislature and governor; voters show an independent streak and sometimes elect Democrats to statewide or federal offices.
Local PoliticsUrban/coastal cities like Columbia and Charleston lean more moderate-to-Democratic; suburban and rural areas tend to be solidly conservative. Many municipal races are officially nonpartisan.College towns such as Missoula and Bozeman lean more progressive; many rural counties and small towns are conservative. Most municipal elections are nonpartisan.
ReligionHigh religious participation; strong Evangelical Protestant presence (notably Baptist), with mainline Protestant and Catholic communities; smaller share of religiously unaffiliated than the U.S. average.More mixed religious landscape with mainline Protestant and Catholic communities; relatively larger share of religiously unaffiliated; some LDS presence and Native American spiritual traditions in tribal communities.
  • South Carolina tends to lean reliably conservative in its political climate with strong Republican majorities in the legislature and congressional delegation
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as having a generally conservative tilt with Republican control of the legislature and governor and voters showing an independent streak that sometimes leads them to elect Democrats to statewide or federal offices
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as having a more mixed religious landscape with mainline Protestant and Catholic communities, a relatively larger share of the religiously unaffiliated, and some LDS presence along with Native American spiritual traditions in tribal communities
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having high religious participation, a strong Evangelical Protestant presence notably Baptist, with mainline Protestant and Catholic communities and a smaller share of the religiously unaffiliated than the U.S. average

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Montana

ComparisonSouth CarolinaMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Columbia
Clemson University
Clemson
College of Charleston
Charleston
University of Montana
Missoula
Montana State University
Bozeman
Carroll College
Helena
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuena Vista Elementary School
Greenville
Forest Lake Elementary School
Columbia
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
Charleston
Irving Elementary School
Bozeman
Rankin Elementary School
Kalispell
Russell Elementary School
Missoula
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLeague Academy of Communication Arts
Greenville
Forestbrook Middle School
Myrtle Beach
C. E. Williams Middle School for Creative & Scientific Arts
Charleston
Monforton Middle School
Bozeman
Target Range Middle School
Missoula
Lewistown Junior High School
Lewistown
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School
North Charleston
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Hartsville
Charleston County School of the Arts
North Charleston
Bozeman High School
Bozeman
CM Russell High School
Great Falls
Hellgate High School
Missoula
Top 3 private high schoolsChrist Church Episcopal School
Greenville
Porter-Gaud School
Charleston
Cardinal Newman School
Columbia
Billings Central Catholic High School
Billings
Missoula International School
Missoula
Butte Central Catholic High School
Butte
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeathwood Hall Episcopal School
Columbia
Pinewood Preparatory School
Summerville
Trinity Collegiate School
Darlington
Foothills Community Christian School
Great Falls
Heritage Christian School
Bozeman
The Learning Circle Montessori School
Bozeman
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington/Richland School District 5
Fort Mill School District
Greenville County School District
Bozeman Public Schools
Helena Public Schools
Billings Public Schools

How Much Do South Carolina to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 2,130 miles from South Carolina to Montana will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,410300 ft3$8.03
1 Bedroom$3,593450 ft3$7.98
2 Bedrooms$5,950750 ft3$7.93
3 Bedrooms$8,6721100 ft3$7.88
4 Bedrooms$12,5341600 ft3$7.83
5+ Bedrooms$14,0101800 ft3$7.78
Top South Carolina to Montana Routes

Charleston to Montana