($1,002) Moving From Alabama to South Carolina

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Alabama to South Carolina ranges from $393 to $5,185 and takes one-four days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Alabama to South Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from South Carolina to Alabama guide.

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The best Alabama to South Carolina movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Alabama to South Carolina is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Alabama to South Carolina:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Alabama movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Applewhite Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5640 Oakwood Road Northwest, Huntsville, AL, 35806
(256) 430-1198
Coleman Worldwide Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL, 36108
(877) 693-7060

Visit our Best Movers in Alabama page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Alabama to South Carolina?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Alabama to South Carolina for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,002 - $3,205 $637 - $1,571 $351 - $626
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,799 - $5,185 $1,176 - $2,228 $393 - $772
4+ bedrooms $2,823 - $6,689 $1,438 - $2,814 $480 - $898

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 399 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to SC

There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to South Carolina will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Alabama to South Carolina?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to South Carolina will cost between $1,002 and $3,205. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to SC will range from $1,799 to $5,185, and a large move from Alabama to South Carolina will cost from $2,823 to $6,689.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Alabama to South Carolina?

Moving containers from Alabama to South Carolina will cost you $637 to $1,571 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,176 to $2,228. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,438 to $2,814. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.

How much is a moving truck from Alabama to South Carolina?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $351 to $626. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $393 to $772, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Alabama to South Carolina costs from $480 to $898.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Alabama to South Carolina a good idea?

If you’re moving to South Carolina from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Alabama vs. South Carolina

Alabama South Carolina
Average rent cost $925 $1,065
Average home cost $227,508 $295,769
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $63,623
Cost of Living Index 88 96
Unemployment rate 2.9% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 9.22% 7.46%
State Income Tax 5.0% 7.0%
  • Rent is about 15% more expensive in South Carolina than in Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 30% higher in South Carolina than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 7% higher in South Carolina than in Alabama.
  • Cost of living is 9% lower in South Carolina than in Alabama.
  • South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 62%.
  • Sales taxes are 19% lower in South Carolina than in Alabama.
  • Income taxes are 40% higher in South Carolina than in Alabama.

How does life in South Carolina differ from Alabama?

South Carolina Alabama
Population 5,373,555 5,108,468
Political leaning Republican 58-42 Republican 65-35
Summer high 91ºF 91ºF
Winter low 33ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 48" 56"
Annual snow 1" 1"
Crime index 28.0 21.48
  • The population of South Carolina is approximately 5% greater than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-eight inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus fifty-six inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In South Carolina, it snows about one inches annually versus one inches of snow in Alabama.
  • South Carolina has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 28.0 vs 21.48.

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. South Carolina

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Alabama versus South Carolina side by side.

Pros of living in Alabama Pros of living in South Carolina
Low cost of living Warm southern hospitality
Tasty southern comfort food Plentiful outdoor activities
Bountiful recreational opportunities Beautiful landscapes
Top-notch college football Consistently gorgeous weather
Rich history Rich historical significance

Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. South Carolina

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for South Carolina.

Cons of living in Alabama Cons of living in South Carolina
Poor quality of life High cost of living
Severe weather Hurricane frequency
Restrictive alcohol laws Low quality of healthcare
Poor healthcare High taxes
Cockroaches Abundance of construction

What to know before your move to South Carolina

  • Weather: South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in South Carolina

While you’re in South Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Charleston's Historic District
  • Myrtle Beach
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Brookgreen Gardens
  • Middleton Place
  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
  • Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Caesars Head State Park
  • Congaree National Park
  • DuPont Planetarium
  • Alligator Adventure
  • UFO Welcome Center
  • The Battery
  • Falls Park on the Reedy
  • Charleston Tea Plantation
  • The Peace Center

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to South Carolina?

The cheapest way to move from Alabama to South Carolina is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to South Carolina?

The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to South Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in South Carolina such as warm southern hospitality and plentiful outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or South Carolina?

It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in South Carolina. Housing is much more affordable in Alabama, with average rent about 13% less and home prices 23% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Alabama, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by South Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Carolina?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Carolina you live For example, larger cities like Aiken and Anderson will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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