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South Carolina to New Jersey Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 672 mile interstate move from South Carolina to New Jersey? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs New Jersey across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich & Italian Hot Dogs
  • New Jersey housing costs are 75% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in New Jersey is 48.34% more expensive than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to New Jersey will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to New Jersey movers is Big G Movers, INC

South Carolina to New Jersey Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to New Jersey

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Hurricane risk
  • Lack of urban amenities
ProsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Milder climate
  • Extensive transit options
  • Robust job market
  • Lower hurricane risk
  • Rich cultural experiences

New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher living expenses
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Limited beach access
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Traffic congestion
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Friendly communities
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild winters
  • Easier commutes

Pros of moving from South Carolina to New Jersey

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to New Jersey with extensive transit options
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of South Carolina for a robust job market in New Jersey
  • Get ready for a lower hurricane risk in New Jersey

Cons of moving from South Carolina to New Jersey

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in South Carolina to live with higher living expenses in New Jersey
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of a fast-paced lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to beautiful beaches and get used to limited beach access in New Jersey
  • Swap mild winters for cold snowy winters

South Carolina vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsTaylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQItalian Hot Dogs
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsPork Roll
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk Charleston
  • Tupelo Honey
  • Justine's Kitchen
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Don's Original
  • White House Subs
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 New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich of New Jersey. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Italian Hot Dogs and Pork Roll 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 Vegan Pizza of New Jersey. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk Charleston, Tupelo Honey, and Justine's Kitchen. After the boxes are unpacked in New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like Carlo's Bakery, Don's Original, and White House Subs.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and New Jersey

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Victorian
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 listingLakeside Views, Large YardsProximity to NYC, Public Transit
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of New Jersey.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and large yards, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to NYC and public transit.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • New Jersey has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • New Jersey housing costs are 75% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased by 50% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in New Jersey is 48.34% more expensive than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
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, floodsHurricanes, blizzards, floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F41Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"24"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 5% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • New Jersey 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 hurricanes, blizzards, and floods in New Jersey.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is 5 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows in New Jersey are 12 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and New Jersey

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
Avg. Household Income$64,115$96,346
Cost of Living Index96.85129.7
State Income Tax0-71.4-10.75
Avg. Property Tax0.572.21
Avg. Sales Tax7.446.63
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismPharmaceuticals, Finance, Technology
AffluenceGrowingHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 50% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in New Jersey will be 34% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in NJ is 1.4-10.75% compared to 0-7% in SC
  • The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to growing affluence in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate poverty in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in South Carolina and minimal in New Jersey

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. New Jersey

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-leaningDemocratic-leaning
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantDiverse; Catholic Majority
  • South Carolina tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • New Jersey's religious environment can be described as diverse and has a Catholic majority
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to New Jersey

ComparisonSouth CarolinaNew Jersey
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Rutgers University
The College of New Jersey
Princeton University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Wren Elementary (Piedmont)
Town Center Elementary School at Plainsboro (Plainsboro)
Littlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Millstone River School (Plainsboro)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRollings Middle School of the Arts (Summerville)
Gold Hill Middle School (Fort Mill)
Montessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Thomas R. Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
William Annin Middle School (Basking Ridge)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
High Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud (Charleston)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Hammond School (Columbia)
The Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Delbarton School (Morristown)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
Dwight-Englewood School (Englewood)
Morristown-Beard School (Morristown)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Mill School District (Fort Mill)
Lexington 1 (Lexington)
Charleston County School District (Charleston)
Princeton Public Schools (Princeton)
Millburn Township Schools (Millburn)
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (West Windsor)

How Much Do South Carolina to New Jersey Movers Cost?

Moving 672 miles from South Carolina to New Jersey 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,346300 ft3$4.49
1 Bedroom$2,000450 ft3$4.44
2 Bedrooms$3,301750 ft3$4.40
3 Bedrooms$4,7951100 ft3$4.36
4 Bedrooms$6,9061600 ft3$4.32
5+ Bedrooms$7,6931800 ft3$4.27

Top South Carolina to New Jersey Movers

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

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to New Jersey

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details