Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Massachusetts to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 37% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Massachusetts
98.8
South Carolina
96.3
South Carolina has 2.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
29.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 2.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 51% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,848/mo
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
South Carolina is 31% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 50% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
200°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 69% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
47
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 360% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
46 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 5.2% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
0
South Carolina
37
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Massachusetts
25
South Carolina
2
South Carolina has 92% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
1 in

Get the full MassachusettsSouth 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 Massachusetts?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts, 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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.

Related comparisons