Best South Carolina to Iowa Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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SC to IA Moving Specialists

Moving from the Palmetto State to the Hawkeye State is an exciting journey, brimming with the promise of new beginnings and adventures. You're trading in South Carolina's historic charm and sun-drenched shores for Iowa's heartland horizons and community-centric living. In this significant transition, the importance of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers cannot be overstressed - ensuring your memories and belongings are transported safely is crucial, and that’s where we excel in providing you with the best options for your move.

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Best South Carolina to Iowa Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Swamp Rabbit Moving9.34C+Authorized For HHGContact
Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Smooth Move Charleston9.21A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bearded Movers & Logistics9.20NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to South Carolina guide.

6 Best SC to IA Moving Companies

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

Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,268+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (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 12/18/2024)

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 12/18/2024)

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

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 certified by ...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 12/17/2024)

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
5
Bearded Movers & Logistics Logo
Exceptional9.20/10
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 company th...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

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 Iowa

Embarking on the move from South Carolina to Iowa embodies a journey between distinct lifestyle choices and cultural environments. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from South Carolina to Iowa , by comparing cons to pros and vice versa, facilitating a clearer decision-making process for your big move.

CONs
PROs
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Higher humidity
  • Less snow
  • Smaller tech hub
  • Lower average salary
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower humidity
  • Beautiful winters
  • Larger tech scene
  • Higher average salary
Iowa iconIowa
  • Colder winters
  • No beaches
  • Quieter culture
  • Fewer historic landmarks
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
  • Warmer winters
  • Beaches
  • Vibrant culture
  • Historic charm

Moving from South Carolina to Iowa introduces you to a strikingly different environment. In Iowa, you'll trade the sultry, damp climate for crisp, invigorating air and a chance to experience all four seasons vividly, including picturesque snowy winters. Cities like Des Moines offer burgeoning tech opportunities, reflected in the expanding Greater Des Moines Partnership initiatives, outstripping South Carolina's tech scene significantly. Although you might miss South Carolina's rich historic sites and the Atlantic beaches, Iowa compensates with vibrant community life in locales such as the East Village in Des Moines, known for its unique shops, restaurants, and a bustling cultural scene. Here, you're never too far from a tranquil park or a hearty meal at establishments like Zombie Burger providing a unique blend of culinary delight and quirky ambience. Transitioning to Iowa also means embracing its peaceful, slower-paced life, a stark contrast to South Carolina's vibrant and sometimes boisterous atmosphere, yet equally enriching in its community and spirit.

South Carolina vs. Iowa Food Guide

Understanding the diverse culinary landscapes you'll be moving into enriches your relocation experience. This comparison of the local cuisine between South Carolina & Iowa will acquaint you with the food scene in both states, helping you get a taste of what life there is like.

South CarolinaIowa
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsWalking Tacos
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensSweet Corn Gazpacho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Husk
  • Hominy Grill
  • Poogan's Porch
  • The High Life Lounge
  • Zombie Burger
  • Amana Colonies
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In South Carolina, the rich, creamy texture of Shrimp and Grits from Husk in Charleston offers a mouth-watering introduction to the state's coastal cuisine, while Iowa's fresh, sweet Corn on the Cob epitomizes the state's agricultural prowess. Pulled Pork BBQ, a South Carolina staple, is best enjoyed in the historic settings of Charleston and Greenville. Conversely, in Iowa, the classic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich finds its roots in the state's strong pork industry, with places like The High Life Lounge in Des Moines showcasing this iconic dish. Both states offer unique culinary experiences reflective of their local cultures and agricultural resources, promising a delightful gustatory adventure as you make your move.

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South Carolina vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

Whether you're moving for a new job, family, or simply a change of scenery, understanding the real estate differences between South Carolina and Iowa is crucial. This comparison reveals essential housing aspects such as cost, style, and lifestyle, helping you make an informed decision for your big move.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and BrickPrairie and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOceanfront, PorchesFamily-friendly, Quiet streets

When comparing the real estate markets of South Carolina and Iowa, several key differences emerge. Iowa's cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, is notably lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a home. However, South Carolina offers unique architectural styles influenced by its historical and coastal settings, such as colonial and brick designs that appeal to many. For those prioritizing a more active lifestyle, Iowa scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, reflecting its more compact urban planning and emphasis on outdoor spaces. Additionally, real estate listings in Iowa commonly highlight family-friendly neighborhoods and quiet streets, contrasting with South Carolina's focus on oceanfront properties and the charm of porches for socializing and enjoying the mild climate.

South Carolina vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

Understanding the differences in weather when moving can significantly impact your acclimatization to a new place. This guide compares the climatic conditions of South Carolina and Iowa , helping you grasp what weather patterns to expect and how they contrast with each other.

Summer icon
90°F / 71°F

South Carolina

85°F / 63°F

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 38°F

South Carolina

31°F / 14°F

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.8

South Carolina

36.0

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
1

South Carolina

36

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsTornadoes, blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

The weather in South Carolina and Iowa presents a varied picture that could affect your daily lifestyle after the move. South Carolina offers a warmer climate year-round with mild winters, in contrast to Iowa's colder winters and moderate summers. Iowa experiences significantly more snowfall, which could mean a new experience if you're coming from South Carolina, where snow is rare. On average, both states enjoy a similar amount of sunshine throughout the year, although South Carolina leads slightly. The natural disaster risks also change, with South Carolina being more prone to hurricanes and Iowa facing tornadoes and blizzards. Understanding these differences can help you prepare better for your move.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one state to another, it's pivotal to grasp how financial aspects will change. A comparison between South Carolina and Iowa will illuminate differences in living costs, taxes, and average incomes, guiding you in preparing for your new setting.

ComparisonSouth CarolinaIowa
Avg. Household Income$64,115$69,588
Cost of Living Index96.8595.9
State Income Tax0 - 7%0.33 - 8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax7.22%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Tourism, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services
AffluenceModerateModerately High
PovertyNotableLower
HomelessnessConcerningMild

While both South Carolina and Iowa offer appealing opportunities for residents, several financial distinctions are clear. Iowa has a slightly higher average household income which aligns with its moderately higher cost of living index. Conversely, South Carolina presents a more beneficial property tax rate, which may appeal to homeowners. However, Iowa's lower sales tax rate and progressive stance on poverty and homelessness make it an attractive option for those seeking economic stability and social responsibility. These observations illuminate the importance of understanding the nuanced financial landscape when relocating.

South Carolina vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

This short guide provides a quick comparison of the political and religious makeup between South Carolina & Iowa, offering insights into the local communities you'll be joining or leaving behind. Whether you're curious about the prevailing political sentiments or the dominant religious landscapes, this overview aims to highlight some key differences and similarities.

South CarolinaIowa
Political Make-upConservatively LeanedModerately Varied
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceMixed, with swings
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantMainline Protestant

The political landscape in South Carolina tends to lean more conservatively, with a solid Republican presence in local politics. This contrasts with Iowa, where political leanings are more varied, and local politics can see swings between parties from election to election. Religion plays a significant role in both states, albeit with different majority denominations. South Carolina's population primarily comprises evangelical Protestants, while Iowa's religious landscape is dominated by mainline Protestants. Understanding these dynamics can offer a richer context as you transition from one state to the other, acknowledging the diverse communities and ideologies you may encounter.

Education Guide When Moving from South Carolina to Iowa

Moving across state lines can be a daunting task, especially when it involves selecting the best educational environment for your children. To aid in your decision-making, we've created a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from South Carolina to Iowa . This will help you navigate through the wealth of educational opportunities available in both states.

South CarolinaIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Mount Pleasant Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Buist Academy (Charleston)
Charleston Development Academy (Charleston)
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Moultrie Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
Hand Middle School (Columbia)
Thomas C. Cario Middle School (Mount Pleasant)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
Bettendorf Middle School (Bettendorf)

Top 3 High School Schools

Academic Magnet High School (North Charleston)
Charleston School of the Arts (North Charleston)
Wando High School (Mount Pleasant)
West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)

Top 3 private high schools

Porter-Gaud School (Charleston)
Hammond School (Columbia)
Hilton Head Preparatory School (Hilton Head Island)
The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Trident Academy (Mount Pleasant)
Ashley Hall (Charleston)
Camden Military Academy (Camden)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)

Top 3 School Districts

Charleston County School District
Greenville County School District
Lexington School District One
West Des Moines Community School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District

Both South Carolina and Iowa boast impressive educational institutions, from public schools to private K-12 options. For example, South Carolina's Academic Magnet High School in North Charleston and Iowa's West High School in Iowa City are known for their rigorous academic programs and vibrant extracurricular activities, providing students with well-rounded educational experiences. Likewise, unique opportunities such as those offered by Charleston County School District and West Des Moines Community School District underline the commitment both states have to high-quality education across all grade levels. The choice between the two may ultimately hinge on specific programs or atmospheres that best fit your family's needs and aspirations.

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