Moving to South Carolina: costs, checklist and what to know
South Carolina at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Charleston · capital Columbia · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to South Carolina
- Income tax: South Carolina taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the South Carolina Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: South Carolina's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a South Carolina driver's license within 45 days, according to the South Carolina DMV. General new residents: 45 days; armed-services members and dependents who become permanent residents have 90 days.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Charleston (about 320 road miles) runs roughly $570–$1,120 with a rental truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to South Carolina
- Charleston became the largest city in the 2020 Census, edging out the capital, Columbia.
- Counties charge a yearly property tax on vehicles, which you pay before renewing the registration.
- Coastal areas face hurricanes from June through November.
Main cities and metros include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston. South Carolina borders North Carolina and Georgia.
How much does it cost to move to South Carolina?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Charleston, the largest city in South Carolina. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 770 | $1,190–$2,270 | $2,630–$6,070 |
| Los Angeles | 2,640 | $3,720–$7,000 | $5,620–$12,800 |
| Chicago | 910 | $1,480–$2,840 | $2,860–$6,580 |
| Dallas | 1,170 | $1,750–$3,330 | $3,270–$7,510 |
| Atlanta | 320 | $570–$1,120 | $1,910–$4,450 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of South Carolina moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to South Carolina
October–November and March–May. Summers are hot and humid.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
South Carolina new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to South Carolina: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to South Carolina?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 320 miles from Atlanta to Charleston costs roughly $570–$1,120 if you rent a truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the South Carolina Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a South Carolina driver's license after moving?
45 days, according to the South Carolina DMV. General new residents: 45 days; armed-services members and dependents who become permanent residents have 90 days. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to South Carolina?
October–November and March–May. Summers are hot and humid.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the South Carolina DMV, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.