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Moving from South Carolina to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
South Carolina
93.7
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 1.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 12% higher housing costs
Groceries index
South Carolina
96.3
Idaho
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 26% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
Idaho
99.1
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 49% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 8.8% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Carolina
91°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 4.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 33% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 27% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
Idaho
199
Idaho has 7.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 64% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
37
Idaho
24
Idaho has 35% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
South Carolina
2
Idaho
12
Idaho has 500% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 5000% more annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaIdaho 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 Idaho than South Carolina?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South Carolina, 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?

South Carolina tops out at 5.21% income tax. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Idaho?

Most Idaho residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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