$1,596 Movers From California to South Carolina
The cost to move from California to South Carolina averages from $1,970 to $9,847 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from South Carolina to California guide.
Moving from California to South Carolina resources
- Best California to South Carolina movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from California to South Carolina.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to South Carolina car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,510 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to South Carolina movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from California 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 California to South Carolina.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from California to South Carolina?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California 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 | $1,596 - $6,790 | $1,711 - $4,051 | $1,785 - $3,220 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,543 - $9,847 | $2,778 - $6,317 | $1,970 - $3,954 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,625 - $15,241 | $3,824 - $8,096 | $2,276 - $4,947 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,510 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California 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 California 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 California to South Carolina?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to South Carolina will cost between $1,596 to $6,790. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to SC will range from $4,543 to $9,847, and a large move from California to South Carolina will cost from $8,625 to $15,241.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to South Carolina?
Moving containers from California to South Carolina will cost you $1,711 to $4,051 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,778 to $6,317. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,824 to $8,096. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
How much is a moving truck from California to South Carolina?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,785 to $3,220. A larger move will cost $1,970 to $3,954, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to South Carolina costs from $2,276 to $4,947.
Is moving from California to South Carolina a good idea?
If you’re moving to South Carolina from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: California vs South Carolina
California | South Carolina | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,586 | $918 |
Average home cost | $746,055 | $287,063 |
Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $63,623 |
Cost of Living Index | 100 | 96 |
Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 2.9% |
Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 7.46% |
State Income Tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 42% less expensive in South Carolina than in California.
- Home prices are about 61.5% lower in South Carolina than in California.
- The average income is about 30.8% lower in South Carolina than in California.
- Cost of living is 4.0% lower in South Carolina than in California.
- South Carolina has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 39.6%.
- Sales taxes are 14.06% lower in South Carolina than in California.
- Income taxes are 47.37% lower in South Carolina than in California.
How is life different in South Carolina from California?
South Carolina | California | |
---|---|---|
Population | 5,190,705 | 39,029,342 |
Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Democratic 63-34 |
Summer High | 91ºF | 87ºF |
Winter Low | 33ºF | 59ºF |
Annual Rain | 48" | 22" |
Annual Snow | 1" | 7" |
Crime Index | 31.09 | 27.88 |
- The population of South Carolina is approximately 87% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- South Carolina has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 31.09 vs 27.88.
Comparing the pros of California 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 California vs South Carolina side-by-side.
Pros of living in California | Pros of living in South Carolina |
---|---|
Ample economic opportunity | Warm southern hospitality |
Pleasant weather | Plentiful outdoor activities |
Abundant recreational options | Beautiful landscapes |
High quality of life | Consistently gorgeous weather |
Fresh and healthy foods | Rich historical significance |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. South Carolina:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for South Carolina.
Cons of living in California | Cons of living in South Carolina |
---|---|
High cost of living | High cost of living |
Heavy tax burdens | Hurricane frequency |
Natural disasters | Low quality of healthcare |
Terrible traffic | High taxes |
Strange laws | Abundance of construction |
Considerations for moving 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to South Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.
Looking for local California movers?
Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
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Maison Moving | Get A Quote |
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA, 92780 (800) 832-5950 |
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Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828 (916) 596-9374 |
Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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 about moving from California to South Carolina
What is the cheapest way to move from California to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to move from California 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 California to South Carolina?
The main reasons people are moving from California to South Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in South Carolina such as warm southern hospitality and plentiful outdoor activities.