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Moving from Florida to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

FL state flag
Living now

Florida

Capital: Tallahassee

Median household income $67,917 · winter low 53°F · 237 sunny days

No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven.

SC state flag
Moving to

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

South Carolina has an overall price level 93.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Florida
103.4
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 9.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Florida
122.1
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 34% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Florida
100.9
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 2.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Florida
100.5
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 1.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Florida
14.9 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 11% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Florida
100.7
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 1.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Florida
$396,900
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 25% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Florida
$1,589/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 24% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Florida
91°F
South Carolina
91°F
Avg winter low
Florida
53°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 38% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Florida
72°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Florida
237
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 8.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Florida
55 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 12% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Florida
43
South Carolina
39
South Carolina has 9.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
Florida
0 in
South Carolina
1 in

Get the full FloridaSouth Carolina report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina than Florida?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Florida — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Florida tops out at 0% income tax. South Carolina tops out at 6%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Carolina?

Most South Carolina residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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