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South Carolina to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 430 mile interstate move from South Carolina to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Carolina vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder weather), food & health (like Shrimp and Grits vs Hot Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial and charleston single vs victorian and modern farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Chicken & Memphis BBQ
  • Tennessee housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in South Carolina
  • Rent in Tennessee is 1.72% more expensive than in South Carolina
  • Moving from South Carolina to Tennessee will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended South Carolina to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

South Carolina to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Tennessee

ConsSouth Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Coastal storm risk
  • Higher flood insurance
  • Tourist crowds
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Milder weather
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Peaceful landscapes

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • No coastal access
  • Less historical focus
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited fresh seafood
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Rich history
  • Charming southern culture
  • Seafood delicacies

Pros of moving from South Carolina to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to milder weather
  • Look forward to moving away from coastal storm risk and moving to Tennessee with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the higher flood insurance of South Carolina for the lower cost of living in Tennessee
  • Get ready for peaceful landscapes in Tennessee

Cons of moving from South Carolina to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in South Carolina to live with no coastal access in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of less historical focus
  • Time to bid farewell to charming southern culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Tennessee
  • Swap seafood delicacies for limited fresh seafood

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsHot Chicken
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQMemphis BBQ
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsBBQ Nachos
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensBBQ Tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Hall's Chophouse
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • Central BBQ
  • The Southern Steak & Oyster
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 Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp and Grits of South Carolina for the equally delicious Hot Chicken of Tennessee. And while the locals in South Carolina rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Memphis BBQ and BBQ Nachos 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 BBQ Tofu of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Carolina eateries like Husk, Hominy Grill, and Hall's Chophouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Central BBQ, and The Southern Steak & Oyster.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Carolina and Tennessee

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and Charleston SingleVictorian and Modern Farmhouse
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 listingHistoric charm, waterfrontMountain views, spacious lots
  • The Colonial and Charleston Single architecture that South Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Modern Farmhouse architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to South Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference historic charm and waterfront views, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and spacious lots.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Tennessee is more walkable than South Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Tennessee is more bike-friendly than South Carolina.
  • Tennessee has more of an urban feel than South Carolina.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in South Carolina, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to South Carolina’s $293,893.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 58% increase in South Carolina.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 1.72% more expensive than in South Carolina.

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

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
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, FloodsTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodVaries by region, mostly Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F89Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)58Β°F / 38Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49.853.68
Annual Snowfall (Inches)16
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Carolina to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 4% fewer sunshine days than South Carolina.
  • Tennessee 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 tornadoes and severe storms in Tennessee.
  • The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 1 degree colder than in South Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in South Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 3.9 more inches of rain compared to South Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Carolina and Tennessee

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
Avg. Household Income$64,115$65,254
Cost of Living Index96.8588.9
State Income Tax7%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.64%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, TourismHealthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableNoticeable
HomelessnessVisibleVisible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 2% more than in South Carolina
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in South Carolina
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate in South Carolina
  • The poverty level is noticeable in Tennessee compared to noticeable in South Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in South Carolina and visible in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in South Carolina vs. Tennessee

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
Political Make-upTraditionally RepublicanTraditionally Republican
Local PoliticsConservative lean, but with growing urban Democratic hubsConservatively inclined, with significant Democratic influence in cities like Nashville and Memphis
ReligionEvangelical Protestantism is predominantEvangelical Protestantism holds significant influence
  • South Carolina tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as evangelical Protestantism holds significant influence
  • South Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestantism is predominant

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Tennessee

ComparisonSouth CarolinaTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of South Carolina
Clemson University
College of Charleston
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBuist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Clemson Elementary (Clemson)
Lipscomb Elementary (Brentwood)
Walton Ferry Elementary (Hendersonville)
A. B. Hill Elementary (Memphis)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLangston Charter Middle School (Greenville)
Ocean Bay Middle School (Myrtle Beach)
Springfield Middle School (Fort Mill)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
West End Middle School (Nashville)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAcademic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Dutch Fork High School (Irmo)
Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet (Nashville)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Top 3 private high schoolsPorter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
McCallie School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Webb School of Knoxville (Knoxville)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Harding Academy (Nashville)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington School District One
Greenville County Schools
Fort Mill School District
Williamson County Schools
Oak Ridge School District
Maryville City Schools

How Much Do South Carolina to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 430 miles from South Carolina to Tennessee 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,446300 ft3$4.82
1 Bedroom$2,147450 ft3$4.77
2 Bedrooms$3,541750 ft3$4.72
3 Bedrooms$5,1381100 ft3$4.67
4 Bedrooms$7,3931600 ft3$4.62
5+ Bedrooms$8,2281800 ft3$4.57

Top South Carolina to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for South Carolina to Tennessee

9.41/10
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