Free comparison
Moving from Illinois to South Carolina
A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.
Illinois
Capital: Springfield
Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days
Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.
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.
Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.
Get the full Illinois → South Carolina report
Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.
See the full comparisonFrequently asked
Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina than Illinois?
South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?
Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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.