Best South Carolina to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from South Carolina to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,508 mile SC to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 316 South Carolina to California 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Carolina compared to California. 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.
Best South Carolina to California Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Swamp Rabbit Moving | 9.34 | 9.45 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC | 9.33 | 9.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Smooth Move | 9.20 | 9.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from South Carolina to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,508 miles from South Carolina to California will cost on average $3,914 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SC to CA move is roughly $9,458. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in South Carolina and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve South Carolina to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,624 | 300 ft³ | 8.75 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,914 | 450 ft³ | 8.70 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,486 | 750 ft³ | 8.65 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,458 | 1100 ft³ | 8.60 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,676 | 1600 ft³ | 8.55 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,296 | 1800 ft³ | 8.50 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to South Carolina guide.
Popular South Carolina to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best SC to CA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Swamp Rabbit Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3449704 / 1163908 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 19 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 300,000 (2023) |
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3288750 / 1041081 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |
Smooth Move Charleston
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2357653 / 834668 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
Smooth Move
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2823802 / 942089 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 125,000 (2023) |
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.
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 California
Moving between states is a major life decision that requires careful consideration of both the challenges and benefits. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from South Carolina to California , helping you weigh your options thoroughly.
South Carolina- Lower average wages
- Hurricane risk
- Humid summers
- Limited tech jobs
California- Higher average wages
- Less natural disaster risk
- Mild climate
- Thriving tech industry
California- Higher cost of living
- Crowded beaches
- More traffic
- High state taxes
South Carolina- Lower cost of living
- Warm beaches
- Close-knit communities
- Rich cultural history
Moving from South Carolina to California signifies not just a change of scenery but also a pivot in lifestyle. While South Carolina offers a rich cultural history with delightful warm beaches and small close-knit communities, like those found in Charleston, it may fall short for those seeking higher wages and a thriving tech career, sectors where cities like San Francisco and San Jose shine. However, this move brings with it the challenges of higher living costs and more crowded spaces. California, known for its expansive opportunities, also offers diverse landscapes from the serene beaches of Malibu to the innovative rush of Silicon Valley. Here, outdoor enthusiasts and tech professionals alike can find their niche amid diverse neighborhoods, extensive parks, and world-class restaurants, such as the famed Chez Panisse in Berkeley or the innovative tech campuses of Google in Mountain View.
South Carolina vs. California Food Guide
Food significantly impacts the local culture and the lifestyle in a new area. To help you understand what culinary delights await, we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between South Carolina & California . This way, you'll know exactly what flavorful experiences to expect in your new home.
| South Carolina | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork BBQ | Tri-tip Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Green Tomatoes | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Okra Soup | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from South Carolina to California, you'll transition from the hearty, rich flavors of traditional Southern cooking, like the beloved Shrimp and Grits and Pulled Pork BBQ, to the fresh, diverse culinary landscape of California, where Fish Tacos and Tri-tip Steak highlight the local love for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. California's food scene is notably more vegan-friendly, with options such as Avocado Toast being widely popular, and the state also boasts a higher health and fitness consciousness. While South Carolina prides itself on its authentic Southern cuisine with iconic restaurants like Husk and Hominy Grill, California offers a dynamic foodie scene with internationally acclaimed spots like The French Laundry and n/naka. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Charleston or the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, both states offer unique and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Ready to start your move?
South Carolina vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a relocation, comparing South Carolina and California in terms of real estate factors like cost, architecture, and lifestyle can give you a clearer picture of what to expect. Understanding these differences is key in ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
| Comparison | South Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, porches | Eco-friendly features, open floor plans |
While the median home price in California is significantly higher than in South Carolina, reflecting the overall cost of living, the architectural styles and lifestyle amenities differ greatly. California homes are known for their modern designs and eco-friendly features, aligning with the state's emphasis on sustainability. South Carolina, on the other hand, often features more traditional homes with large yards and porches—ideal for those seeking a more laid-back, spacious living environment. Additionally, California offers a more urban lifestyle, with higher scores in walkability and bikeability, meaning you're likely to rely less on a car for daily needs compared to South Carolina.
South Carolina vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving from place to place requires understanding the change in weather conditions. This comparison will help you grasp how South Carolina and California differ in climate, ensuring you're well-prepared. The transition in weather from South Carolina to California requires attention to several factors including average temperatures, humidity, natural disasters, and more, to align your expectations with reality.
South Carolina
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
South Carolina
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
South Carolina
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
South Carolina
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | South Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies widely, often Moderate to Unhealthy |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In moving from South Carolina to California, you'll find a significant shift not only in the amount of sunshine and average temperatures but also in dealing with different natural disaster risks and variations in air quality. California boasts more sunny days per year and generally lower humidity, which might be a welcome change. However, prepare for California's unique challenges like wildfires and earthquakes, unlike South Carolina's hurricanes and floods. Air quality in California can vary significantly, especially in urban or wildfire-prone areas, thus impacting overall health and lifestyle. Embrace these changes with preparation and awareness, and you'll adapt more smoothly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Carolina to California
When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in money and finance when moving from South Carolina to California, offering insights into what you can expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and economic opportunities.
| Comparison | South Carolina | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $64,115 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.85 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0-7 | 1-13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.57 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.46 | 8.66 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | moderate | high |
| Poverty | notable | significant |
| Homelessness | concerning | critical |
While South Carolina offers a lower cost of living and more generous property tax rates, California boasts higher average household incomes and a significant presence in high-paying industries like technology and entertainment. However, this comes with the trade-off of a substantially higher cost of living and the highest state income tax rates in the country. The economic landscapes of both states are shaped significantly by their leading industries: manufacturing and tourism in South Carolina versus technology and entertainment in California. This impacts not only job opportunities but also the general affluence and economic challenges faced by residents, including issues related to poverty and homelessness.
South Carolina vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from South Carolina to California, understanding the key differences in the political and religious climates can provide a clearer picture of your new community. This guide offers a comparison of the politics between South Carolina & California , offering insight into the typical makeup of the population in both states.
| South Carolina | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Conservative | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Republican dominance in state legislature | Democratic dominance in state legislature |
| Religion | Christian majority, with a strong Evangelical presence | Diverse, with a significant number of people identifying as non-religious |
While South Carolina has a more conservative leaning with a notable Christian evangelical presence, California is recognized for its liberal stance and a higher level of religious diversity, including a significant population identifying as non-religious. The political landscape in California is also starkly different, with the Democratic Party holding a predominant position in state politics, which contrasts with the Republican dominance seen in South Carolina's local politics. Understanding these differences will help you better assimilate into your new environment and engage with your community.
Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to California
When moving from South Carolina to California, it's important to know how educational options stack up. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Carolina and California . By examining different aspects of the educational systems, you can make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| South Carolina | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Clemson University University of South Carolina College of CharlestonUniversity of California (Various Campuses) Stanford University California State University (Various Campuses) | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Buist Academy (Charleston) Mitchell Road Elementary (Greenville) Oakview Elementary (Simpsonville)Point Vicente Elementary School (Rancho Palos Verdes) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills) Lincoln Elementary (Redondo Beach) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Langston Charter Middle School (Greenville) Buist Academy (Charleston) League Academy (Greenville)Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael) Jack London Middle School (Walnut Creek) Lawson Middle School (Cupertino) | |
Top 3 High Schools Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston) Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston) Greenville Technical Charter High School (Greenville)Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Torrey Pines High School (San Diego) Lynbrook High School (San Jose) | |
Top 3 private high schools Porter-Gaud School (Charleston) Hammond School (Columbia) Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Harker School (San Jose) Polytechnic School (Pasadena) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville) Ashley Hall (Charleston) Heathwood Hall Episcopal School (Columbia)The Harker School (San Jose) Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Crossroads School (Santa Monica) | |
Top 3 School Districts Greenville County Schools Charleston County School District Lexington School District OneLos Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) San Diego Unified School District Santa Clara Unified School District | |
When you're moving from South Carolina to California, it's essential to dive into the specifics of educational opportunities for your children. In South Carolina, schools like Academic Magnet High School and Charleston School of the Arts highlight the focus on specialized learning environments. Meanwhile, California boasts prestigious institutions like The Harker School and Henry M. Gunn High School, known for their rigorous academic standards and vast extracurricular options. The distinction in school districts also marks a significant change, with California's larger districts such as LAUSD offering a broader diversity of programs and resources compared to the more localized approach of South Carolina's top districts like Greenville County Schools. Understanding these differences can help you align your educational priorities with the right opportunities in your new state.
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