($1,147) Moving From Iowa to South Carolina

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to South Carolina ranges from $717 to $6,205 and takes two-eight 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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Hiring a full-service Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa guide.

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The best Iowa to South Carolina movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Iowa 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 Iowa to South Carolina:

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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
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(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
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  • 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
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  • 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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(866) 835-2392
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  • 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 Iowa movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA, 51111
(712) 252-1335
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
514 Clark St, Sioux City, IA, 51101
(712) 252-1938

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

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

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa 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 $1,147 - $5,082 $883 - $2,010 $726 - $1,300
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,609 - $6,205 $1,477 - $3,130 $717 - $1,609
4+ bedrooms $4,207 - $8,069 $2,015 - $3,848 $910 - $1,882

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,087 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 IA to SC

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa to South Carolina?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to South Carolina will cost between $1,147 and $5,082. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to SC will range from $2,609 to $6,205, and a large move from Iowa to South Carolina will cost from $4,207 to $8,069.

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

Moving containers from Iowa to South Carolina will cost you $883 to $2,010 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,477 to $3,130. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,015 to $3,848. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Iowa 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 $726 to $1,300. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $717 to $1,609, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to South Carolina costs from $910 to $1,882.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Iowa to South Carolina a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. South Carolina

Iowa South Carolina
Average rent cost $914 $1,065
Average home cost $220,277 $295,769
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $63,623
Cost of Living Index 89 96
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 7.46%
State Income Tax 4.4% 7.0%
  • Rent is about 17% more expensive in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 34% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 10% lower in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 8% lower in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 57%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 59% higher in South Carolina than in Iowa.

How does life in South Carolina differ from Iowa?

South Carolina Iowa
Population 5,373,555 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 58-42 Republican 53-45
Summer high 91ºF 84ºF
Winter low 33ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 48" 35"
Annual snow 1" 30"
Crime index 28.0 16.18
  • The population of South Carolina is approximately 68% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-eight inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus thirty-five inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In South Carolina, it snows about one inches annually versus thirty inches of snow in Iowa.
  • South Carolina has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 28.0 vs 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa 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 Iowa versus South Carolina side by side.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in South Carolina
Low cost of living Warm southern hospitality
Ample economic opportunity Plentiful outdoor activities
High quality of education Beautiful landscapes
No traffic Consistently gorgeous weather
Beautiful outdoors Rich historical significance

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa 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 Iowa for South Carolina.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in South Carolina
Severe weather conditions High cost of living
Limited recreational opportunities Hurricane frequency
High taxes Low quality of healthcare
High emphasis on politics High taxes
Rustic food 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 Iowa to South Carolina?

The cheapest way to move from Iowa 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 Iowa to South Carolina?

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa 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 Iowa or South Carolina?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in South Carolina. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 26% lower than in South Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% 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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