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Moving from South Carolina to Minnesota

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

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.

MN state flag
Moving to

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

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

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

Minnesota has an overall price level 98.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
South Carolina
93.7
Minnesota
98.6
Minnesota has 5.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
Minnesota
91.3
Minnesota has 13% higher housing costs
Groceries index
South Carolina
96.3
Minnesota
100.5
Minnesota has 4.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
Minnesota
99.8
Minnesota has 0.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
Minnesota
16.4 ¢/kWh
Minnesota has 3.9% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
Minnesota
99.7
Minnesota has 1.0% higher transportation
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
Minnesota
$344,600
Minnesota is 15% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
Minnesota
$1,291/mo
Minnesota is 1.5% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Carolina
91°F
Minnesota
82°F
Minnesota is 9.9% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
Minnesota
4°F
Minnesota is 88% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
Minnesota
42°F
Minnesota is 32% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
Minnesota
195
Minnesota has 9.7% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
Minnesota
29 in
Minnesota is 39% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
37
Minnesota
65
Minnesota has 76% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
South Carolina
2
Minnesota
0
Minnesota has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
Minnesota
46 in
Minnesota is 4500% more annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaMinnesota 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 Minnesota than South Carolina?

Minnesota's overall price level is roughly 97.3 (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. Minnesota tops out at 9.85%.

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

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

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