SC to PA Moving Specialists

South Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

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
South Carolina to Pennsylvania featured image

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
  • 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-upGenerally conservative; Republicans dominate statewide offices and the legislature; presidential races reliably Republican.Mixed/battleground; statewide offices often split; presidential and Senate outcomes vary by cycle.
Local PoliticsMost counties and smaller municipalities lean conservative; metro areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are more competitive or moderate.Large cities (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) strongly Democratic; suburbs are competitive; many rural counties lean Republican.
ReligionHigh religious participation; Evangelical Protestantism is prominent, with smaller shares of mainline Protestant and Catholic; religiously unaffiliated share is relatively lower.More religiously diverse; sizable Catholic and mainline Protestant populations and a larger unaffiliated share; Evangelical Protestant share is smaller than in South Carolina.
  • South Carolina tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as mixed or battleground; statewide offices often split and presidential and Senate outcomes vary by cycle
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse with sizable Catholic and mainline Protestant populations and a larger unaffiliated share; the Evangelical Protestant share is smaller than in South Carolina
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having high religious participation; Evangelical Protestantism is prominent with smaller shares of mainline Protestant and Catholic; the religiously unaffiliated share is relatively lower

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Pennsylvania

ComparisonSouth CarolinaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Clemson University - Clemson
University of South Carolina - Columbia
College of Charleston - Charleston
Penn State University - University Park
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh
Temple University - Philadelphia
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCharles Pinckney Elementary - Mount Pleasant
Buist Academy - Charleston
Forest Acres Elementary - Easley
Germantown Academy - Fort Washington
Sewickley Academy - Sewickley
The Baldwin School - Bryn Mawr
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBuist Academy - Charleston
Langston Charter Middle School - Greenville
Rollings Middle School of the Arts - Summerville
Rosemont Academy - Rosemont
Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh
The Episcopal Academy - Newtown Square
Top 3 High SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School - North Charleston
Greenville Senior High Academy - Greenville
Fort Mill High School - Fort Mill
Julia R. Masterman School - Philadelphia
Downingtown STEM Academy - Downingtown
Conestoga High School - Berwyn
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School - Charleston
Hammond School - Columbia
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School - Columbia
The Haverford School - Haverford
Germantown Friends School - Philadelphia
The Hill School - Pottstown
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPorter-Gaud School - Charleston
Christ Church Episcopal School - Greenville
Charleston Day School - Charleston
The Shipley School - Bryn Mawr
The Haverford School - Haverford
The Kiski School - Saltsburg
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington-Richland School District Five - Irmo
Fort Mill School District - Fort Mill
Spartanburg School District 7 - Spartanburg
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District - Tredyffrin Township
Radnor Township School District - Radnor Township
Lower Merion School District - Ardmore

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