SC to PA Moving Specialists

South Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 678 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (colonial and charleston single house vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 10.21% more affordable than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Top South Carolina to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Pennsylvania

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.51/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC featured image

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

9.34/10
Exceptional

South Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Limited public transit
  • Higher flooding risks
  • Fewer historical landmarks
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Cooler climate
  • Less severe weather
  • Better transit systems
  • Higher elevations
  • Rich historical sites

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Colder winters
  • Less laid-back vibe
  • Higher property taxes
  • Different food scene
  • Denser urban areas
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warm beaches
  • Southern hospitality
  • Lower cost of living
  • Vibrant seafood cuisine
  • Spacious living areas

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to a cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Pennsylvania with less severe weather
  • Swap the limited public transit of South Carolina for better transit systems in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for higher elevations in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm beaches in South Carolina to live with colder winters in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of Southern hospitality and have to settle with the con of a less laid-back vibe
  • Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to higher property taxes in Pennsylvania
  • Swap vibrant seafood cuisine for a different food scene

South Carolina vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsSoft Pretzels
Most popular vegan foodOkra SoupMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Leon's Oyster Shop
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzels 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 Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and Leon's Oyster Shop. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Primanti Bros.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Pennsylvania

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and Charleston Single HouseColonial and 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 listingLarge yards, porches, waterfrontHistoric details, hardwood floors, proximity to parks
South Carolina
Pennsylvania
Nationwide
$355k$355k$284k$284k$213k$213k$142k$142k$71k$71k0020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
South Carolina
Pennsylvania
Nationwide
$2k$2k$1.6k$1.6k$1.2k$1.2k8008004004000020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
  • The Colonial and Charleston Single House architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards, porches, and waterfront, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details, hardwood floors, and proximity to parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 10.21% more affordable than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.8"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 17% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Pennsylvania 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 snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 7.8 fewer inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Pennsylvania

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$64,115$71,798
Cost of Living Index96.8599.7
State Income Tax0% - 7%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%1.35%
Avg. Sales Tax6%Pennsylvania: 6%; Philadelphia: 8%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Aerospace, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableEvident
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 12% more than in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 0% to 7% in SC
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is high compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is evident in Pennsylvania compared to noticeable in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in South Carolina and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanSwing State, currently leans Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative values influence local policiesVaries, with liberal policies in urban areas
ReligionEvangelical Protestant is dominantMixed; Catholic and Protestant presence
  • South Carolina tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, currently leaning Democratic
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as mixed with Catholic and Protestant presence
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina (Columbia)
Clemson University (Clemson)
College of Charleston (Charleston)
Pennsylvania State University (State College)
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)
Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Forestbrook Elementary School (Myrtle Beach)
Adlai Stevenson School (Pittsburgh)
Whitemarsh Elementary (Conshohocken)
Hillside Elementary School (New Cumberland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMoultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Gold Hill Middle School (Fort Mill)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Radnor Middle School (Wayne)
Julia R. Masterman Middle School (Philadelphia)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Greenwood Christian School (Greenwood)
The Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Mill School District (Fort Mill)
Lexington 1 School District (Lexington)
Charleston County School District (Charleston)
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Berwyn)
Lower Merion School District (Ardmore)
North Allegheny School District (Pittsburgh)

How Much Do South Carolina to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 678 miles from South Carolina to Pennsylvania 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,349300 ft3$4.50
1 Bedroom$2,004450 ft3$4.45
2 Bedrooms$3,308750 ft3$4.41
3 Bedrooms$4,8051100 ft3$4.37
4 Bedrooms$6,9221600 ft3$4.33
5+ Bedrooms$7,7101800 ft3$4.28