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South Carolina to North Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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Planning a 1,683 mile interstate move from South Carolina to North Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs North Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs low humidity), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Lefse), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch-style vs ranch-style, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Lefse & Bison Steak
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in North Dakota is 38.24% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to North Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to North Dakota movers is Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

South Carolina to North Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to North Dakota

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Overcrowded beaches
  • Heavy tourism
ProsNorth Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Low humidity
  • Minimal natural disasters
  • Open landscapes
  • Quiet towns

North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
  • Severe cold
  • Limited dining options
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Short growing season
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Mild winters
  • Southern cuisine
  • Rich history
  • Year-round greenery

Pros of moving from South Carolina to North Dakota

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to low humidity
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to North Dakota with minimal natural disasters
  • Swap the overcrowded beaches of South Carolina for open landscapes in North Dakota
  • Get ready for quiet towns in North Dakota

Cons of moving from South Carolina to North Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in South Carolina to live with severe cold in North Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of limited dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in North Dakota
  • Swap year-round greenery for a short growing season

South Carolina vs. North Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsLefse
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQBison Steak
Most popular street food itemFried Green TomatoesKnoephla Soup
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensSunflower Seed Risotto
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • FIG
  • SNOB (Slightly North of Broad)
  • HoDo (Hotel Donaldson)
  • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
  • Mezzaluna
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 North Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Lefse of North Dakota. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, North Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Knoephla Soup 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 Sunflower Seed Risotto of North Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, FIG, and SNOB (Slightly North of Broad). After the boxes are unpacked in North Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to North Dakota's acclaimed eateries like HoDo (Hotel Donaldson), Pitchfork Steak Fondue, and Mezzaluna.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and North Dakota

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Ranch-styleRanch-style, Split-level
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 listingProximity to beaches, Open floor plansEnergy efficiency, Low property taxes
  • The Colonial and Ranch-style architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch-style and Split-level architecture typical of North Dakota.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and open floor plans, North Dakota's real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and low property taxes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Dakota is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Dakota is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • North Dakota has less of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • North Dakota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $253,395 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Dakota have increased by 18% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in North Dakota is 38.24% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
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, FloodsBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F82Β°F / 57Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F24Β°F / 2Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.817.8
Annual Snowfall (Inches)151
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to North Dakota. North Dakota gets 7% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • North Dakota 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 floods in North Dakota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in North Dakota is 8 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 36 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in North Dakota. North Dakota receives 32.0 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and North Dakota

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$64,115$71,970
Cost of Living Index96.8595.3
State Income Tax0% - 7%1.1% - 2.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.98%
Avg. Sales Tax6%5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismAgriculture, Oil and Gas, Technology
AffluenceModerateAdequate
PovertyPersistentLower
HomelessnessRelevantMarginal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Dakota tend to earn about 12% more than residents in South Carolina
  • The cost of living index in North Dakota will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in ND is between 1.1% and 2.9% compared to between 0% and 7% in SC
  • The affluence in North Dakota is adequate compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is lower in North Dakota compared to persistent in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is relevant in South Carolina and marginal in North Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. North Dakota

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Political Make-upConservatively leaning, with a higher percentage of Republican votersStrongly conservative, historically Republican-dominated
Local PoliticsLocal politics reflect a mix, with Democratic strongholds in urban areasLocal politics are predominantly Republican, even in many urban areas
ReligionChristianity is predominant, with strong Baptist and Methodist presencesLargely Christian, with a significant Lutheran population
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservatively in its political climate
  • North Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly conservative and historically Republican-dominated
  • North Dakota's religious environment can be described as largely Christian, with a significant Lutheran population
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity is predominant, with strong Baptist and Methodist presences

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to North Dakota

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNorth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
North Dakota State University
University of North Dakota
Minot State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mitchell Road Elementary (Greenville)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Liberty Elementary (Bismarck)
Freedom Elementary (West Fargo)
Roosevelt Elementary (Mandan)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMontessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Gold Hill Middle (Fort Mill)
Marrington Middle School of the Arts (Goose Creek)
Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo)
Wachter Middle School (Bismarck)
Cheney Middle School (West Fargo)
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Greenville Technical Charter High School (Greenville)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Fargo Davies High School (Fargo)
Century High School (Bismarck)
Red River High School (Grand Forks)
Top 3 private high schoolsHammond School (Columbia)
Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Augusta Christian Schools (Martinez)
Shanley High School (Fargo)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Bishop Ryan Catholic School (Minot)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharleston Collegiate School (Johns Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Wilson Hall (Sumter)
Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Mill School District
Lexington-Richland School District No. 5
Greenville County Schools
Fargo Public Schools
Bismarck Public Schools
West Fargo Public Schools

How Much Do South Carolina to North Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,683 miles from South Carolina to North Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,157300 ft3$7.19
1 Bedroom$3,212450 ft3$7.14
2 Bedrooms$5,317750 ft3$7.09
3 Bedrooms$7,7431100 ft3$7.04
4 Bedrooms$11,1821600 ft3$6.99
5+ Bedrooms$12,4901800 ft3$6.94

Top South Carolina to North Dakota Movers

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

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details
Top South Carolina to North Dakota Routes

Charleston to North Dakota