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South Carolina to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 2,641 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot and humid summers vs mild and cooler climate), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Dungeness Crab), real estate & housing (colonial and victorian vs northwest and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Dungeness Crab & Grilled Salmon
  • Oregon housing costs are 69% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Oregon is 6.83% more expensive than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Oregon will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Oregon movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

South Carolina to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Oregon

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot and humid summers
  • Higher hurricane risk
  • Limited public transport
  • Conservative culture
  • Sandy beaches
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Mild and cooler climate
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • Extensive public transport
  • Progressive culture
  • Majestic coastlines

Oregon iconOregon
  • Higher living expenses
  • Lacks warm hospitality
  • Relatively modern history
  • Less soul food options
  • Urban lifestyle dominance
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Low cost of living
  • Southern hospitality
  • Rich history
  • Delicious southern cuisine
  • Quaint small towns

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to hot and humid summers and hello to a mild and cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher hurricane risk and moving to Oregon with a lower natural disaster risk
  • Swap the limited public transport of South Carolina for extensive public transport in Oregon
  • Get ready for a progressive culture in Oregon

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Carolina to live with higher living expenses in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern hospitality and have to settle with the con of a lack of warm hospitality
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich history and get used to a relatively modern history in Oregon
  • Swap delicious southern cuisine for fewer soul food options

South Carolina vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsDungeness Crab
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQGrilled Salmon
Most popular street food itemFried Green TomatoesVoodoo Doughnut
Most popular vegan foodOkra SoupHazelnut Tofu Stir-fry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk Charleston
  • Hominy Grill
  • FIG
  • Pok Pok
  • Le Pigeon
  • Screen Door
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 Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Dungeness Crab of Oregon. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, Oregon residents know they have tasty Grilled Salmon and Voodoo Doughnut to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Hazelnut Tofu Stir-fry of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk Charleston, Hominy Grill, and FIG. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Screen Door.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Oregon

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and VictorianNorthwest and 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 listingLarge yards, proximity to beachesEco-friendly features, mountain views
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Northwest and Craftsman architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to beaches, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and mountain views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Oregon has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Oregon housing costs are 69% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Oregon is 6.83% more expensive than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
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, Earthquakes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F81Β°F / 58Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)59Β°F / 38Β°F47Β°F / 33Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50 inches71 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1 inch33 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Oregon. Oregon gets 39% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Oregon 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Oregon.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 9 degrees colder than South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 21 more inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Oregon

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
Avg. Household Income$64,115$75,657
Cost of Living Index96.85110.55
State Income Tax0% to 7%4.75% to 9.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%1.07%
Avg. Sales Tax6%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismTechnology, Forestry, Tourism
AffluenceModestAbove Average
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 18% more than those in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in OR is 4.75% to 9.9% compared to 0% to 7% in SC
  • The affluence in Oregon is above average compared to modest affluence in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Oregon compared to moderate poverty in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Carolina and high in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Oregon

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsStrongly influences by local businesses and traditionsDriven by environmental and progressive ideals
ReligionChristianity is predominantLess religiously affiliated; diverse beliefs
  • South Carolina tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated and diverse beliefs
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Oregon

ComparisonSouth CarolinaOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina (Columbia)
Clemson University (Clemson)
College of Charleston (Charleston)
University of Oregon (Eugene)
Oregon State University (Corvallis)
Portland State University (Portland)
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
East End Elementary (Easley)
Ainsworth Elementary School (Portland)
Findley Elementary School (Beaverton)
Arthur Academy (Portland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Rollings Middle School of the Arts (Summerville)
Stoller Middle School (Portland)
Lake Oswego Junior High School (Lake Oswego)
Cedar Park Middle School (Beaverton)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (Hartsville)
International School of Beaverton (Beaverton)
School of Science & Technology (Beaverton)
Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland)
Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
St. Mary's Academy (Portland)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharleston Collegiate School (Johns Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Robert E. Lee Academy (Bishopville)
Delphian School (Sheridan)
The Northwest Academy (Portland)
Marist Catholic High School (Eugene)
Top 3 School DistrictsCharleston County School District
Greenville County School District
Lexington School District One
Portland Public Schools
Beaverton School District
Lake Oswego School District

How Much Do South Carolina to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 2,641 miles from South Carolina to Oregon will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,700300 ft3$9.00
1 Bedroom$4,027450 ft3$8.95
2 Bedrooms$6,674750 ft3$8.90
3 Bedrooms$9,7341100 ft3$8.85
4 Bedrooms$14,0791600 ft3$8.80
5+ Bedrooms$15,7481800 ft3$8.75

Top South Carolina to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Oregon

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top South Carolina to Oregon Routes

Charleston to Oregon