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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 (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 3.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 1.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 46% 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
$1,479/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 19% 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
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
48°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 29% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 8.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
South Carolina
48 in
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
South Carolina
39
South Carolina has 34% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsSouth 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 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 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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