Best South Carolina to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Carolina to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,085 mile SC to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 56 South Carolina to Iowa moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Carolina compared to Iowa. 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 Iowa Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, HHG
3Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC9.359.63Authorized For HHG
4Swamp Rabbit Moving9.349.45Authorized For HHG
5Smooth Move9.229.32Authorized For HHG
6Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from South Carolina to Iowa?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,085 miles from South Carolina to Iowa will cost on average $2,704 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SC to IA move is roughly $6,500. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,818300 ft³$6.06
1 Bedroom$2,704450 ft³$6.01
2 Bedrooms$4,469750 ft³$5.96
3 Bedrooms$6,5001100 ft³$5.91
4 Bedrooms$9,3741600 ft³$5.86
5+ Bedrooms$10,4561800 ft³$5.81
*Please note: These South Carolina to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Carolina & Iowa. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed SC to IA mover.
South Carolina iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Most Popular South Carolina to Iowa Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best SC to IA Movers

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

    Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.54/10
    based on 898+ data points

    2815 36th St

    Des Moines, IA, 50310

    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...

    Services

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

    Interstate Moving License

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

    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

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.44/10
    based on 1,160+ data points

    656 S Governor St

    Iowa City, IA, 52240

    About Adamantine Spine Moving

    Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transport your...

    Services

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

    Interstate Moving License

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

    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
    Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC Logo

    Luxury Movers Moving Company, LLC

    Exceptional9.35/10
    based on 698+ 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
    3
    S

    Swamp Rabbit Moving

    Exceptional9.34/10
    based on 1,099+ 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
    4
    Smooth Move Logo

    Smooth Move

    Exceptional9.22/10
    based on 725+ 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
    5
    Smooth Move Charleston Logo

    Smooth Move Charleston

    Exceptional9.21/10
    based on 2,898+ 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
    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

    Whether you're seeking new opportunities or a change of scenery, moving from {state_fr} to {state_to} can be both exciting and daunting. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of such a relocation to make an informed decision. Our charts aim to provide a balanced reflection of the benefits and challenges you might encounter.

    CONs
    PROs
    South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
    • Higher cost of living
    • Traffic congestion
    • Lack of green spaces
    • Limited cultural events
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Better job opportunities
    • Improved public transport
    • More outdoor activities
    • Vibrant cultural scene
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Higher expenses
    • Colder winters
    • Adapting to change
    • Lack of variety
    South Carolina iconSouth Carolina
    • Affordability
    • Warm climate
    • Familiar community
    • Local cuisine

    As you transition from {state_fr} to {state_to}, you may find that the cost of living can initially feel burdensome, especially in popular cities like Denver or Boulder, where the expense is higher but offset by excellent job prospects in burgeoning industries. Conversely, the traffic congestion you've grown accustomed to in {state_fr} may become less of an issue due to {state_to}’s efficient public transportation networks. Neighborhoods such as San Jose Park may offer more diverse dining experiences compared to local favorites back home, providing ample opportunity to explore new cuisines while also discovering scenic spots like {state_to}’s expansive parks and hiking trails.

    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 Carolina
    Iowa
    Most iconic local food item
    Shrimp and Grits
    Corn on the Cob
    Most popular meat dish
    Pulled Pork BBQ
    Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
    Most popular street food item
    Boiled Peanuts
    Walking Tacos
    Most popular vegan food
    Collard Greens
    Sweet 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.

    South Carolina
    Iowa
    Typical Architecture Style
    Colonial and Brick
    Prairie and Ranch
    Walkability
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
    Oceanfront, Porches
    Family-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.

    South Carolina
    Iowa
    Days of Sunshine per Year
    ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
    ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
    Avg. Annual Humidity
    💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
    💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
    Avg. UV Index
    🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
    🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
    Natural Disasters
    Hurricanes, floods
    Tornadoes, blizzards
    Air Quality
    Good
    Moderate
    Summer icon

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    90°F / 71°F
    85°F / 63°F
    Winter icon

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    60°F / 38°F
    31°F / 14°F


    Rainfall icon

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    49.8
    36.0
    Snowfall icon

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    1
    36


    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.

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    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.

    South Carolina
    Iowa
    Avg. Household Income
    $64,115
    $69,588
    Cost of Living Index
    96.85
    95.9
    State Income Tax
    0 - 7%
    0.33 - 8.53%
    Avg. Property Tax
    0.57%
    1.53%
    Avg. Sales Tax
    7.22%
    6.94%
    Top 3 Industries
    Manufacturing, Tourism, Agriculture
    Agriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services
    Affluence
    Moderate
    Moderately High
    Poverty
    Notable
    Lower
    Homelessness
    Concerning
    Mild

    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 Carolina
    Iowa
    Political Make-up
    Conservatively Leaned
    Moderately Varied
    Local Politics
    Republican Dominance
    Mixed, with swings
    Religion
    Evangelical Protestant
    Mainline 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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