Thinking about moving to South Carolina? Around 91,000 people already moved to SC last year chasing cheaper bills, better jobs, and an easygoing lifestyle. Don’t miss out on all the good stuff the Palmetto State has to offer.
And don’t worry, we have already done the homework for you! This blog is your all-in-one moving to SC guide—full of tips, things to remember, and local gems that only residents know about. Follow along, and you’ll be settled in no time.
👉 South Carolina Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in SC today!
AT A GLANCE:
- South Carolina combines a laid-back lifestyle with the country’s 3rd fastest-growing job market, thanks to giants like Boeing and BMW.
- Cities like Charleston and Columbia have affordable homes, while coastal spots like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach offer that iconic coastal living experience.
- You can expect a humid climate with short winters. If you choose to live in coastal regions, be prepared for hurricanes and occasional heat waves.
- Summerville, SC, was crowned the top “job-magnet” suburb in 2024, with several jobs in tech, manufacturing, and healthcare.
- The state offers serious tax perks, including no tax on Social Security, an upcoming flat income tax, and tax relaxations for businesses.
5 Reasons to Move to South Carolina
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in South Carolina, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
South Carolina has 24% cheaper housing, which is very affordable compared to states like California and New York. Additionally, the statewide ‘Workforce Housing Pilot Program’ supports the construction of homes under $175K.
Approximately 47% of people relocating to South Carolina become homeowners within their first year of residence. This indicates accessible housing for people from all walks of life.
2. Growing Job Market
In the last year alone, South Carolina added 61,000 new jobs, achieving the title of one of the fastest-growing job markets in the country. Major employers include the US Department of Energy and the Medical University of SC.
Additionally, South Carolina’s ports generate $63.4 billion in annual revenue for the state. Port operations also support 1 in every 10 jobs in SC, with these jobs paying 32% more than the average.
3. Tax Benefits
Currently, the state follows a two-tier tax system with a 1.99% tax on the first $30K of your taxable income and 5.39% on any amount above that. The state is already in the process of simplifying this with a flat 3.99% tax starting from 2026.
Plus, if you are retiring in South Carolina, you are in luck! The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits and retirement income. On the other hand, businesses get the benefit of no state property tax, no inventory tax, and no sales tax on manufacturing equipment.
4. Mild Climate & Beautiful Beaches
The weather in South Carolina is mild, the winters are short, and summers are long, with temperatures ranging between 26°F in the winters to 95°F in the summers. On average, the state receives 216 sunny days yearly—perfect for the outdoors.
Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Kiawah Island are perfect for fishing, surfing, or just soaking up the sun. In contrast, inland cities like Columbia and Greenville offer a mix of outdoor recreation that includes camping, hiking trails, and state parks.
5. Personal Income Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), South Carolina recorded the 2nd highest increase in personal income among all U.S. states in 2024. This is mainly due to high-paying jobs in local government, manufacturing, and the tech sectors.
At the same time, private industries like automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced materials are benefiting from expansions. This makes it one of the most favorable states for personal growth.
Pros and Cons of Moving to South Carolina
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to South Carolina:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Housing in South Carolina is 18% cheaper than the US average. | 1. Coastal properties can still be pricy. |
| 2. The job market is booming with jobs in computer science, software, and IT. | 2. Major opportunities are limited only to the urban areas. |
| 3. The state has a diverse landscape from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Coastal plains of the Lowcountry. | 3. Coastal areas are vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding during storm season. |
| 4. The state offers a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. | 4. Due to its sub-tropical nature, the climate is humid, bringing not-so-fun mosquitoes, termites, and heat waves. |
Things to Know Before Moving to South Carolina ✅
Before entering the South Carolina housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: After moving to South Carolina, new residents must obtain a new South Carolina driver’s license and vehicle registration within 45 days. You also have to pay personal property taxes on it before registration.
- Moving Permits: If you’re relocating to a house, trailer, or mobile home in South Carolina, you’ll need a moving permit from your local city office or county agent. Make sure all taxes are paid and paperwork is in order before applying for the moving permit.
- Firearm Carrying Laws: You need a permit for both open and concealed carry of a firearm. However, you don’t need a permit to carry a firearm in a vehicle if it’s secured. Keep in mind, firearms are restricted in places like schools and courthouses.
- HOAs & Local Rules: Many neighborhoods, especially in newer suburbs and coastal towns, are governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs). These may come with monthly fees and strict rules, so it’s important to read the HOA guidelines before buying or renting.
Cost of Living in South Carolina
The average cost of living in South Carolina is 6% cheaper than the national average. That means you spend less on groceries, utilities, and transportation, which means more disposable income to save or invest.
Plus, with housing 24% cheaper, a booming job market, and that laid-back Southern lifestyle, it’s the perfect place to call home. This makes it one of the most preferred states for people trying to relocate on a budget.
How to Move to South Carolina?
Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to South Carolina seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re going all-in with professional movers, you can expect to pay around $138 per hour[3]. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3-4 weeks:
- Electricity and Gas: Depending on where you are moving, your utility provider may vary. Check your city website for details. You will have to provide your address and ID to start service. Most of these providers offer online setups.
- Water & Sewer: This is typically handled by the local municipalities, but there are a few regional service providers. Visit the city website you are relocating to find out the service providers in your area.
- Internet and Cable: Major providers include AT&T, Spectrum, Windstream, and Comporium. We recommend you schedule the installation 2-3 weeks before moving to your new home.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: The kid must be at least 5 years old by September 1st for kindergarten and 6 for the first grade. You’ll need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residency, and a photo ID to enroll.
- For Older Students: For the students in middle and high school, you’ll also need academic records and a withdrawal form from the previous school.
- Transfer & Special Cases: The process of transfer between different school districts or schools is regulated by the local school boards. If your kid is a high school athlete, make sure to check the eligibility rules with the South Carolina High School League.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For a Work From Home Job: There aren’t many obstacles if you work from home and are planning to move to South Carolina. Make sure your employer complies with South Carolina business registration, tax, and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: South Carolina has one of the fastest-growing job markets, with major employers like Boeing and BMW. Check SC Works, state portals, and LinkedIn for jobs in South Carolina. Finally, network with locals, and factor in the cost of living before applying.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg, the average rent ranges between $600-$15,000[2], depending on the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in Hilton Head Island cost around $769K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Columbia and Lancaster offer affordable options with median housing costs of $226K[2] and $279K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to South Carolina?
Yes, you should definitely move to South Carolina. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to South Carolina isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, South Carolina’s best home-buying website, buying a house in South Carolina is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to South Carolina, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in South Carolina
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to South Carolina, long before the moving boxes are packed.
