Best South Carolina to Alaska Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Carolina to Alaska and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,655 mile SC to AK move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 South Carolina to Alaska moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Swamp Rabbit Moving), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Carolina compared to Alaska. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best South Carolina to Alaska Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Swamp Rabbit Moving9.349.45Authorized For HHGContact
2Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC9.339.63Authorized For HHGContact
3Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHGContact
4Smooth Move9.209.32Authorized For HHGContact
5The Moving Man7.808.91Authorized For HHGContact
6Air Van Moving6.806.98Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
South Carolina iconArrow iconAlaska icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alaska to South Carolina guide.

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Most Popular South Carolina to Alaska Moving Routes

Compare the 6 Best SC to AK Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

S

Swamp Rabbit Moving

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,278+ data points

2106 Airport Rd

Greer, SC, 29651

About Swamp Rabbit Moving

Swamp Rabbit Moving is a South Carolina business specializing in local and long-distance moves. From its location in Greer, this company...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing/Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3449704 / 1163908

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved300,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC Logo

Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 743+ data points

178 Sago Palm Dr

Myrtle Beach, SC, 29579

About Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

Luxury Movers Moving Company is a Myrtle Beach-based moving company that serves all surrounding areas, including Horry, Georgetown, Marion, and Dillion...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long-Distance Move
  • Apartment Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3288750 / 1041081

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Smooth Move Charleston Logo

Smooth Move Charleston

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 3,273+ data points

4767 Rivers Ave

North Charleston, SC, 29405

About Smooth Move Charleston

With locations in Rock Hill and Charleston, South Carolina, Smooth Move is a locally owned and operated moving company that is...

Services

  • Full Service Packing and Unpacking
  • Short or Long Distance Moves
  • Residential or Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2357653 / 834668

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Smooth Move Logo

Smooth Move

Exceptional9.20/10
based on 847+ data points

1461 Dave Lyle Blvd

Rock Hill, SC, 29730

About Smooth Move

Smooth Move is a family-owned local business, providing its services to the local community. Known to be a reliable option among...

Services

  • Full Service Packing and Unpacking
  • Short or Long Distance Moves
  • Residential or Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/20/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2823802 / 942089

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved125,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
The Moving Man Logo

The Moving Man

Good7.80/10
based on 232+ data points

550 W 54th Ave

Anchorage, AK, 99518

About The Moving Man

The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...

Services

  • Local Residential Moving
  • Local Commercial Moving
  • Out-of-State Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

807379 / 359080

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2018)
View Full Review
5
Air Van Moving Logo

Air Van Moving

6.80/10
based on 40+ data points

209 Post Rd

Anchorage, AK, 99501

About Air Van Moving

Air Van Moving is a professional moving company that is based in Alaska and the Northwest. Whether it is across town,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

125012 / 118474

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision, packed with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison offers an honest reflection from South Carolina to Alaska, helping you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. By understanding both the pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Less dramatic landscapes
  • Relatively small size
  • Higher population density
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Cooler summers
  • Stunning, vast wilderness
  • Massive land area
  • Low population density
Alaska iconAlaska
  • Very cold winters
  • Remote living
  • Higher cost of living
  • Isolation from lower 48
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warm beaches
  • Richer history
  • Lower cost of living
  • More urban areas

While the warmth and historical richness of South Carolina's coastal cities like Charleston offer an enticing urban charm, the allure of Alaska's breathtaking landscapes is undeniable. Imagine trading your visits to Charleston's Battery for the unparalleled natural beauty of Denali National Park. Although the cost of living may rise as you transition from the affordable suburbs of Columbia to the wilderness gateways like Anchorage, the quality of life can significantly increase amidst Alaska's vast, serene landscapes. Despite the challenges of colder winters and a more remote lifestyle, the unique experiences, such as witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring unbounded wilderness, make Alaska a compelling destination for those looking for a profound change in scenery and lifestyle.

South Carolina vs. Alaska Food Guide

Understanding the essence of local cuisine reveals a lot about a region's culture and lifestyle. With the comparison of the local cuisine between South Carolina & Alaska , you're equipped to delve into the culinary scene of your future home. This contrast will enrich your appreciation for the food environment awaiting you.

South CarolinaAlaska
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsAlaskan Salmon
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQReindeer Sausage
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsKing Crab Legs
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensWild Berries
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • FIG
  • Bowens Island Restaurant
  • Simon & Seafort's
  • The Crow's Nest
  • Glacier Brewhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move to Alaska, you'll find that the local cuisine takes full advantage of the natural bounty, particularly seafood like Alaskan salmon, which is celebrated for its unparalleled freshness and flavor. Places like Simon & Seafort's in Anchorage offer stunning views and delicious interpretations of local fish that define the Alaskan dining experience. For those seeking a taste of the wild, the reindeer sausage is a must-try delicacy, often found at street markets and food festivals. Anchorage, being the largest city, also boasts an eclectic food scene with a variety of food trucks and vegan options, albeit slightly fewer than you might find in more temperate regions. Here, the focus on quality, sustainability, and the use of local ingredients is at the heart of the culinary culture.

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South Carolina vs. Alaska Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in any relocation decision. When contemplating a move from South Carolina to Alaska, understanding the housing landscape including cost, architecture, and lifestyle can significantly impact your choice. This comparison aims to provide a clear snapshot of what you can expect in both states.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRustic, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, porchesViews, privacy

In terms of housing costs, you'll find Alaska commands a higher price tag both for purchasing and renting, reflecting its remote beauty and the lifestyle it offers. However, the architectural styles greatly differ between the two states, offering unique living experiences. South Carolina is characterized by its historic Colonial and Victorian homes, often featuring spacious yards and charming porches. In contrast, Alaska provides a more rugged aesthetic with Rustic and Modern homes that prioritize views and privacy. The lifestyle in Alaska leans more towards the introverted, with lower scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle than South Carolina, echoing Alaska’s vast, untamed landscapes versus the more communal, urban-southern charm of South Carolina.

South Carolina vs. Alaska Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one location to another, understanding the weather variations is crucial to adapt seamlessly. This guide offers a comparison aimed to illustrate the weather differences you will experience when moving from South Carolina to Alaska, highlighting key aspects such as temperature, sunshine, natural disasters, and more to prepare you for your new environment.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

South Carolina

60°F / 44°F

Alaska

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 38°F

South Carolina

20°F / -10°F

Alaska

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.8

South Carolina

22.5

Alaska

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1

South Carolina

74

Alaska

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from South Carolina to Alaska, the most noticeable differences will be in temperatures and daylight hours. Expect significantly cooler summers and harsher winters in Alaska, with much lower average temperatures compared to the warm, humid climate of South Carolina. Sunshine days drop notably, and you'll experience less annual rainfall but significantly more snowfall in Alaska. Additionally, while the Southeast faces hurricanes, Alaska deals with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, impacting preparedness for natural disasters. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your lifestyle and expectations for your new home in Alaska.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

When planning a move, understanding the financial landscape of your new home compared to where you're coming from is crucial. This comparison will shed light on the differences in costs and economic conditions you can expect when moving from South Carolina to Alaska, helping you prepare for the change.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaAlaska
Avg. Household Income$64,115$88,121
Cost of Living Index96.85132.6
State Income Tax0-70
Avg. Property Tax0.571.18
Avg. Sales Tax7.461.76
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, HealthcareOil and Gas, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLower
HomelessnessMaterialSignificant

Despite the higher average household income in Alaska, you'll also face a significantly higher cost of living, a factor largely driven by remoteness and transportation expenses. While Alaska boasts higher affluence levels and lower poverty rates, homelessness remains a significant challenge, highlighting complex social issues. Notably, the absence of state income tax in Alaska can offer some financial relief, but it's essential to consider the overall economic picture, including the top industries and how they align with your career path, to fully evaluate the financial implications of this move.

South Carolina vs. Alaska Political & Religious Comparison

To give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, this section provides a comparison between South Carolina & Alaska . Understanding these aspects will help you better integrate and connect with your new community.

South CarolinaAlaska
Political Make-upConservative-leaningMix of conservative and liberal
Local PoliticsFocus on economic development, educationEmphasis on natural resource management, indigenous rights
ReligionPrimarily Christian, strong evangelical presenceDiverse, with Christianity being predominant, indigenous spiritual practices

South Carolina and Alaska offer unique living experiences, influenced largely by their political and religious landscapes. South Carolina's conservative lean reflects in its local politics with a strong emphasis on traditional values and economic growth. In contrast, Alaska's diverse political beliefs create a mix that is both conservative and liberal, focusing on the state's unique challenges such as natural resource management and indigenous rights. Religion plays a significant role in both states, with South Carolina having a notable evangelical Christian presence. Alaska, while primarily Christian, also includes indigenous spiritual practices, offering a broader religious perspective.

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Alaska

When planning a move from South Carolina to Alaska, a key factor to consider is education for your children. This Comparative Chart aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Carolina and Alaska, providing a clear perspective on where your child might receive the best education to fit their needs.

South CarolinaAlaska

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Clemson University
University of South Carolina
College of Charleston
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Pacific University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Buist Academy (Charleston)
Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Charleston Development Academy (Charleston)
Aurora Elementary (Anchorage)
Northern Lights ABC School (Anchorage)
Scenic Park Elementary (Anchorage)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Montessori School of Anderson (Anderson)
Langston Charter Middle School (Greenville)
Spartanburg Prep School (Spartanburg)
Romig Middle School (Anchorage)
Mears Middle School (Anchorage)
Mirror Lake Middle School (Chugiak)

Top 3 High Schools

Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston County School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Dutch Fork High School (Irmo)
West High School (Anchorage)
South Anchorage High School (Anchorage)
Eagle River High School (Eagle River)

Top 3 private high schools

Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Grace Christian School (Anchorage)
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Christian Schools (Anchorage)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
Spartanburg Day School (Spartanburg)
Thomas Sumter Academy (Dalzell)
Pacific Northern Academy (Anchorage)
Anchorage Waldorf School (Anchorage)
Birchwood Christian School (Chugiak)

Top 3 School Districts

Lexington District One
Greenville County Schools
Charleston County School District
Anchorage School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Considering the educational landscape, both South Carolina and Alaska offer unique opportunities for your children's academic growth. South Carolina boasts highly ranked collegiate-bound paths with its top universities being common destinations for high school graduates. In particular, Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston consistently receives accolades for its robust academic programs. On the other hand, Alaska offers noteworthy elementary and high schools, such as West High School in Anchorage, which is celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular activities. Private schooling options in both states vary widely in focus, from rigorous academic institutions like Porter-Gaud School in Charleston to specialized programs like Grace Christian School in Anchorage. These insights should aid in making an informed decision regarding your child's academic future amidst your relocation.

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