Planning your move to the Palmetto State? You’re not alone! More than 219,707 people are moving to South Carolina annually, with Myrtle Beach being the most moved-to place in 2024.
The economy of the Palmetto State is also thriving with major sectors like manufacturing, tourism, automotive, and aerospace with a low unemployment rate of 4.5%. South Carolina’s cost of living is $3,200/mo, and the state’s flat income tax appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to SC:
| # | Reasons to Move to SC | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | South Carolina's living costs are 5% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Palmetto State is projected to add 2.4M new jobs by 2030 in industries such as manufacturing, technology, etc. |
| 3. | Education | SC serves over 781K students across 82 school districts. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in South Carolina is 6% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in South Carolina’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Charleston | $575,750 | $1,783 | $57 | $249.89 | $694 |
| Myrtle Beach | $242,500 | $1,407 | $50 | $143.26 | $569 |
| Greenville | $465,000 | $1,262 | $50 | $139.97 | $613 |
| Spartanburg | $245,000 | $1,088 | $37.50 | $200 | $631 |
2. Employment Opportunities
South Carolina’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Palmetto State aims to add 2.46 million new jobs by the end of 2030.
- Manufacturing: South Carolina continues to be a manufacturing powerhouse, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Companies like BMW and Boeing are among the largest employers. The sector also offers competitive salaries which average over $60,850 annually.
- Technology: The tech industry in South Carolina is growing rapidly, and employs over 180,000 people. There is high demand for software development, cybersecurity, and data centers. Blackbaud and Benefitfocus are some of the top employers in the state.
- Logistics and Distribution: South Carolina’s strategic location and infrastructure, including the Port of Charleston, make it a hub for distribution and logistics. More than 600 logistics companies are based in the Palmetto State including Generac and Shaw.
- Agribusiness: Agribusiness is one of the fastest-growing industries in South Carolina. The sector has created over 259,000 jobs statewide. Kraft Heinz, McCall Farms, and Starbucks are some of the top agribusiness employers in the state.
3. Education and Schools
South Carolina serves over 781,000 students across 82 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Public Schools: South Carolina has over 1,200 public schools, known for their academic excellence and innovative programs. The Charleston County School District, one of the largest in the state, is known for its Advanced Placement (AP) programs and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: SC has over 70 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Some of the top schools are Greenville Technical Charter High School and Charleston Charter School.
- Private Schools: South Carolina is home to over 400 private schools, known for their small class sizes and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is around $8,230 annually. Top-rated schools include Hammond School in Columbia and Porter-Gaud School in Charleston.
- Higher Education: SC has a robust higher education system with 33 public colleges and universities, including the renowned University of South Carolina (USC) and Clemson University. USC is known for its business, engineering, and public health programs. Clemson offers engineering, agriculture, and research programs.
Cost of Moving to South Carolina 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to SC:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $463 and $4,518
Moving to SC involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- South Carolina movers typically cost $138 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, 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.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to South Carolina.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to South Carolina.
- When relocating to South Carolina, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in SC is around $453/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in South Carolina. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in SC is $40. A standard title transfer costs around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Palmetto State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg, the average rent ranges between $1,100 and $2000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in South Carolina, home prices vary across the state. Coastal cities like Hilton Head Island have a median home price of $740K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Columbia is $254K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to South Carolina ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to SC, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that South Carolina neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
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