Best South Carolina to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SC to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state symbolizes a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. As you leave behind the Palmetto State's charming southern landscapes for California's sun-soaked beaches and tech-savvy cities, you're not just moving between places but stepping into a whole new way of life. Understanding the importance of a seamless transition, we emphasize hiring trusted and reliable professional movers for this long-distance journey, ensuring your adventure begins on the right note.

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Best South Carolina to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Swamp Rabbit Moving9.34C+Authorized For HHGContact
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Smooth Move9.22A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bearded Movers & Logistics9.21NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to South Carolina guide.

6 Best SC to CA Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
S
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,278+ data points

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 can...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing/Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
3
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 743+ data points

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, ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long-Distance Move
  • Apartment Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
4
Smooth Move Logo
Exceptional9.22/10
based on 847+ data points

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 the movers ...Read More >>

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 10/18/2024)

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
5
Bearded Movers & Logistics Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 605+ data points

About Bearded Movers & Logistics

Website Information: Established in Greenville, South Carolina, Bearded Movers & Logistics is a locally-owned and operated moving compan...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3802279 / 1369057

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved80 (2020)
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 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.

CONs
PROs
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Lower average wages
  • Hurricane risk
  • Humid summers
  • Limited tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher average wages
  • Less natural disaster risk
  • Mild climate
  • Thriving tech industry
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Crowded beaches
  • More traffic
  • High state taxes
South Carolina iconSouth 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 CarolinaCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemFried Green TomatoesTacos
Most popular vegan foodOkra SoupAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Hall's Chophouse
  • The French Laundry
  • n/naka
  • Zuni Cafe
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.

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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.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanModern, Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, porchesEco-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.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

South Carolina

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 38°F

South Carolina

68°F / 48°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.8

South Carolina

22.2

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1

South Carolina

Varies widely by region

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth CarolinaCalifornia
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries widely, often Moderate to Unhealthy
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, 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.

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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.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$64,115$91,551
Cost of Living Index96.85136.4
State Income Tax0-71-13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.570.73
Avg. Sales Tax7.468.66
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, AgricultureTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertynotablesignificant
Homelessnessconcerningcritical

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 CarolinaCalifornia
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state legislatureDemocratic dominance in state legislature
ReligionChristian majority, with a strong Evangelical presenceDiverse, 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 CarolinaCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Clemson University
University of South Carolina
College of Charleston
University 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 One
Los 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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