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Moving from Texas to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

TX state flag
Living now

Texas

Capital: Austin

Median household income $75,780 · winter low 38°F · 232 sunny days

No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings.

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
Texas
97.1
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 3.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Texas
96.5
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 17% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Texas
98.1
South Carolina
96.3
South Carolina has 1.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Texas
99.6
South Carolina
99.1
Electricity rate
Texas
17 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
Transportation index (modeled)
Texas
99.4
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Texas
$313,200
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 4.4% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Texas
$1,475/mo
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
South Carolina is 14% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Texas
96°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 5.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Texas
38°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 13% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Texas
65°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 4.3% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Texas
232
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 6.9% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Texas
33 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 48% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Texas
43
South Carolina
37
South Carolina has 14% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Texas
2
South Carolina
2
Snow / year
1 in

Get the full TexasSouth Carolina 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 South Carolina than Texas?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.3 for Texas, 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?

Texas tops out at 0% income tax. South Carolina tops out at 5.21%.

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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