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Moving from Idaho to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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
Idaho
95.5
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 1.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 11% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Idaho
96.3
South Carolina
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
South Carolina
99.1
Electricity rate
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 34% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
South Carolina
98.7
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 33% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,384/mo
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
South Carolina is 8.1% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Idaho
87°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 4.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 50% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
46°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 37% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
199
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 8.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
17 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 178% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
24
South Carolina
37
South Carolina has 54% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Idaho
12
South Carolina
2
South Carolina has 83% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Idaho
51 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full IdahoSouth Carolina report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina than Idaho?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for Idaho, 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?

Idaho tops out at 5.3% income tax. South Carolina tops out at 5.21%.

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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