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Moving from Minnesota to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 4.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 1.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 9.1% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 13% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 6.0% more expensive 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
Minnesota
82°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 725% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 48% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 11% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 65% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
39
South Carolina
39
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaSouth Carolina report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina than Minnesota?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota — 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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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