Moving from California to South Carolina: A 2026 Guide

Californians are choosing South Carolina

U.S. Census Bureau data for 2024 shows about 8,700 people moved from California to South Carolina, making it the fifth largest source of new residents. Most are making a 2,500 mile move, which means much of the home search has to happen remotely.

Income taxes: a meaningful difference for most households

California's 2026 income tax rates run from 1% up to 13.3% at the top, which includes a 1% surcharge on taxable income over $1 million. South Carolina's 2026 rate is 1.99% on incomes under $30,000, and for incomes of $30,000 and above it is 5.21% of taxable income minus $966. South Carolina also does not tax Social Security benefits.

Many California households will pay less state income tax in South Carolina, but the details depend on your income and deductions, so confirm with a tax professional.

What to expect from homes here

California buyers are often surprised by how much space their budget buys in South Carolina, and by how common things like garages, porches, and larger lots are. A few differences to know before you shop:

• Most homes have central air and heat pumps, and humidity is a bigger factor than in most of California.
• Termite and moisture inspections are a routine part of buying here.
• Property taxes on a primary home are based on the 4% legal residence assessment once you apply for it, which is a different system from California's.

Choosing where to live

South Carolina offers very different lifestyles within a few hours of each other. Columbia and the Midlands offer a central location, the University of South Carolina, and Lake Murray. York County puts you near Charlotte's job market and airport. Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand put you on the coast. We help you narrow it down before you book a cross-country flight.

Planning a cross-country home search

For California buyers, we recommend doing nearly everything remotely until your list is short: community research, pre-approval, video tours, and neighborhood drive-throughs on camera. Then plan one trip to tour your top homes and see the areas in person. Our step-by-step guide to buying a South Carolina home from out of state walks through the full process.

Need to sell in California first? We can connect you with a Coldwell Banker agent there and coordinate both sides.

Talk with a local agent

Hollie Stabler, a certified Relocation Specialist, and the rest of our team regularly help buyers who are moving across the country. Tell us about your move and we will help you build a plan, whether you are ready to tour this month or just starting to research.