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Moving from New York to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

NY state flag
Living now

New York

Capital: Albany

Median household income $81,386 · winter low 24°F · 184 sunny days

NYC global capital + huge upstate, high taxes, top healthcare.

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
New York
107.9
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
New York
122.2
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 34% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New York
102.0
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 3.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New York
101.2
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 2.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New York
28.6 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New York
101.6
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 2.8% lower transportation
Median home value
New York
$449,800
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 33% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New York
$1,530/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 21% 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
New York
84°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 8.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
New York
24°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 38% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New York
47°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 33% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New York
184
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 17% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New York
43 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 14% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New York
39
South Carolina
39
Snow / year
New York
76 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 99% less annual snowfall

Get the full New YorkSouth 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 New York?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.5 for New York — 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?

New York tops out at 10.9% 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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