South Carolina Vs. Florida: Which State Is The Best Place To Live?

🏖️ Florida vs. South Carolina: Choosing Your Perfect State to Live! 🌴
Thinking of relocating? Dive into this comprehensive guide comparing Florida and South Carolina! Join Tim Pierce from the Pierce Group at EXP as he breaks down key differences between these sought-after states.
🔍 Population & Growth:
Discover the numbers - Florida's booming 22.5M population vs. South Carolina's 5.2M. Find out which state has seen the most growth in the past 20 years and how it impacts daily life.
💰 Tax Insights:
Explore the tax-friendly aspects of both states, from Florida's no-income-tax allure to South Carolina's benefits for primary residents. Learn how real estate taxes stack up between the two.
🌀 Hurricane Seasons:
Get the facts about hurricane occurrences in Florida and South Carolina. Find out which state experiences fewer hurricanes and how it might influence your decision.
🏖️ Beach & Recreation:
Compare the unique beach experiences in South Carolina and Florida. Discover the beauty of South Carolina's expansive beaches and Florida's crystal-clear waters, plus explore other recreational opportunities.
🌆 City Life:
Delve into the urban landscapes! From South Carolina's Charleston to Florida's Miami, understand the differences in city life and accessibility to major metropolitan areas.
🌞 Climate Variation:
Explore the climate contrasts! Learn about South Carolina's seasonal changes versus Florida's year-round warmth and how it aligns with your preferences.
💸 Cost of Living:
Uncover the cost dynamics - median sales prices, affordability along the coasts, and the overall cost of living comparisons between these two states.
🗣️ Join the Conversation:
Drop your opinions and preferences in the comments! Which state appeals to you more, Florida or South Carolina? Let's discuss the pros and cons!
👍 Like, Share, & Subscribe!:
If you found this guide helpful, give us a thumbs up and share your thoughts! Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful comparisons and real estate tips.
#FloridaLiving #southcarolinaliving #RealEstateComparison #MovingGuide #FloridaVsSouthCarolina #TaxFriendlyStates #BeachLife #CityVsSuburbs #CostOfLiving #ClimateDiversity #HurricaneSeasons #realestateinsights #realestate #realestatebroker #Realtor #thepeircegroup #hiltonheadisland #southcarolina
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[@nicolafazio674]

Love Florida, but I agree that SC has a lot to offer at generally lower costs.

[@MCVCMC]

I’m in the middle of a move from Ft. Myers, FL up to Lexington, SC. I spent the last 25 years in FL and am over it. It has gotten insanely expensive to live there because of all the hurricanes. My homeowners insurance was up to $8200 per year. It was blistering hot for 10 months of the year. The public school systems are some of the worst in the country. My family and I are so excited to be moving to SC! We close on our home on 2/29/24.

[@CraigC-h6b]

Congratulations 🎊🎉 but keep it 🤫 . Once they realize the things you mentioned they will head half way back.

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

Great move I was considering moving to Tampa I'm a retired Army veteran but decided to move to North Carolina because its cheaper there, due to my pension I cannot afford an apartment rental in Tampa, plus the car insurance is outrageous.

[@MCVCMC]

@@eddiesaninocencio6635 thank you for your service! You made the wise move going to NC!

[@captdrewcafe]

Ok well remember the outrageous SC taxes. Like registering your car will be it's value x sales tax rate= your cost...EVERY YEAR!!!

[@MCVCMC]

@@captdrewcafe yes sir. My one car is a work car so they pay the tax/registration. The tax on my wife’s car will still put us ahead. My homeowners insurance in SC is about $7500 less per year than Florida. I was paying $9300 down there between my hazard and flood policies.

[@LIVSouthFlorida]

This is really good information and a good representation of both states 👏👏👏

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for the comment!

[@joelsandler1119]

SC has FL beat. Even if everything was equal, SC will save me over 25 percent on the cost of living. What I like about SC, is you have a choice of living by the blue ridge mountains or close to the ocean. I also like the southern hospitality.

[@JarrellHenderson-gh1kl]

You left out two other major cities Orlando, and Tampa, they are also major attractions throughout the country. In fact, both Tampa, and Orlando, get more attractions all year round every year more than cities like Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.

[@patriciaharper5735]

This is great information. We've looked in Florida and were very disappointed in what we found which got us talking about South Carolina. We'll probably make a trip there later this year. Can you give me some information on health care? Big hospitals? Availability of primary care providers? Thank you!

[@explorelowcountry]

Patricia, thanks for your comment. Happy to give you some personal insight into the medical system. I've had a lot of personal experience here. It might make sense to jump on a call together? If you send me an email [e-mail], we can get something set up.

[@explorelowcountry]

Or you can call/text us directly at 843-885-1915 so that we can get you plugged into the South Carolina market!

[@JohnnyDelaney-mc5ve]

Are you licensed for the Beaufort area ??

[@explorelowcountry]

Yes we are! Give us a call/text so we can chat. 843-885-1915

[@terrywix6844]

Neither.

[@kenjohnson8510]

Neither

[@vanhxay93]

Love Florida but my wallet tells me South Carolina 😊

[@rainacherienne1010]

Mine tells me I’d live like a boss in Afghanistan

[@emely671]

Great video! I’m a realtor in Florida but I am moving to Greenville, SC here soon.

[@joelsandler1119]

I'm moving from Florida to the Greenville area too.

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for the comment! Love Greenville! We were just up there for a concert. Fabulous town and restaurants.

[@hydroponichomesteader6852]

We live in the suburbs of Greenville its a great city.

[@patriciaberry9809]

Yeah I’m moving to Rockhill SC in June

[@Clay-i7y]

Florida wins on beaches, specifically Gulf Coast beaches. Not even close. Went to visit friends outside of Hilton Head. Everything was too muddy.

[@ihave35cents95]

Moved from Florida to south Carolina I like it better here.5200 square ft house 56 acres 3800 property tax.

[@explorelowcountry]

Nice! What part of SC did you relocate to?

[@ihave35cents95]

@@explorelowcountry cottageville near walterboro

[@rainacherienne1010]

How much was it? Sounds like would be like 20 million in FL

[@ihave35cents95]

@@rainacherienne1010 56 acres cheap

[@ihave35cents95]

@@rainacherienne1010 6ook

[@ironman0917]

South Carolina is full now. Please consider Mississippi or Alabama.

[@josh10722]

SC born and raised, and unfortunately people moving here are the problem with the state. Big money from higher earning states mixed with stagnant local wages have essentially priced us out of our own state. A home that was $200,000 10 years ago is now over $500,000. Local costs of goods and services have gone up too. I understand it has for everyone, but trust me the market is adjusting for foreign money and not local SC earners. Edit/conclusion: GO TO FLORIDA! Leave us be please, but feel free to come by and visit for a bit

[@CaponeCabin]

Please stay away from South Carolina

[@pkdodd1]

I lived in both, South Carolina is the best.

[@DianasReviews]

Well the huge difference is that if you are generating income, SC will take their cut but FL is income tax free. However if you are on retirement Social Security or Military Pension, then either state is fine.

[@explorelowcountry]

True, but also Real Estate taxes are higher for primary residents in FL and the overall cost of living is higher there too. Thank you for the comment!

[@JavisoGaming]

For city life, I’ll just head south, and go to Savannah! Problem solved! Great video! We’re building a house in Bluffton, Sun City!

[@explorelowcountry]

Welcome to Bluffton! Thanks for the comment!

[@bama539]

Thank you for the information. My wife and I looked at Florida and now we are looking into Summerville, SC. So far this is fits us to the T.

[@explorelowcountry]

Glad it was helpful! Summerville is a great area.

[@MaryLopez-hc7rc]

South Carolina does not need more folks. Sorry.

[@lydialeonard6068]

​@@MaryLopez-hc7rcNot much on the Welcoming Committee, rude

[@MrJestyler]

Forget about S. Fla it’s way too crowded and ungodly expensive. Upstate S.C. (Greenville) where want to retire

[@rhettdemille4404]

I grew up in SC and spent the last 10 years in FL. North Florida is my favorite place. That area shares more in common with SC culturally, and has a much lower cost of living a way more beautiful coastline. Comparing the two states is like Texas to Oklahoma or California to Oregon. Florida is a megastate with close to 23M people... And SC is really beginning to come in to its owm as a destination for retireees. Roads: SC and I-95 being two lanes is an absolute disgrace - So is not widening I-26 to three lanes (all the way) between Columbia and Charleston. I like both states, but it's hard to compare any southern state to Florida, which more than 4X the population of SC.

[@explorelowcountry]

Agreed, very different states and North Florida is definitely similar to SC culturally. But many try to evaluate both for a move South. I26 and 95 is a mess, agree there too. Thanks for the comment.

[@purplesprigs]

In the short time that I've lived in Florida (3 years) there have been dramatic changes: The growth is off the charts, which means that the awful traffic is much worse. Also, the cost of living is skyrocketing - we now have the highest homeowners AND auto insurance rates. Add to that the epidemic of gun violence, and Florida is nothing more than a nice (but not very safe) place to visit.

[@colettewilliams3575]

There’s no competition. South Carolina is a thousand times better than Florida. South Carolina forever!

[@ergo3]

FLORIDA❤

[@Batmandabomb]

As a lifelong Floridian of 60 years... we are full.... Have South Carolina... North Carolina is far better in my vacations and travels...we Floridians spend time in the NC mountians

[@natividadayala4955]

Huricane enters the chat😂

[@zachorr9412]

What is the reality of work opportunities and pay in SC? Is it hard to find work/start a business in central to eastern SC?

[@PatriciaWilliams-qr5td]

I live in the state of Florida I hate the State of Florida Florida is not the place to be if I had my brother's I rather live in South Carolina or Tennessee Florida is not Florida is not the place to be

[@bobravenscraft5376]

THANK YOU im being forced out of Florida NY HOME going to SC

[@terryweller1233]

Sales tax approaching 10% in South Carolina in some counties after add on for local tax. Plus just about everything gets taxed. If you are a non-resident property owner in either Florida or South Carolina real estate taxes are off the charts. Very, very expensive! Insurance costs in both states also very expensive and continuing to escalate making cost of home ownership extremely expensive along coastal areas. Gasoline less expensive in South Carolina due to lower state gas tax. But this is reflected in poor condition of many roads there. South Carolina is much less congested than Florida which makes it a better choice for quality of living.

[@z0tw]

Honestly South Carolina is a lot more interesting and a lot cheaper in comparison to Florida. Florida has insane cost of living in the best areas along most coastlines and while it certainly is cheaper to live in Florida the further north you go, is still doesn't change the fact that you need a good amount of money to pay in insurance alone. South Carolina on the other hand is a pretty good sized state to live in. If you like to live in a area close to the mountains, Greenville is only about a 20-30 minute drive from Appalachia. Columbia is a fast growing city which is centralized in the middle. Great to live there compared to the overcrowded Charlotte, NC just a couple hours drive northeast. It's great to stay here if you love hiking but also the beach as you can plan long weekend trips to either area. If you like big cities you can get to Atlanta in about 4 hours and the already mentioned Charlotte in a couple. Charleston and Myrtle Beach are great locations if you are a coastal lover, which most people with money are. These cities are quickly growing and are soon going to become difficult to live in if you don't make $100k a year in your household. I frequent Charleston area every May and soon to also be every October as well and I can tell you that the area has boomed in population over the last decade, much to my dismay. Wish it was half as crowded as I remember it being when I was a teenager. For Florida though I'm not a massive fan of it. If you aren't living along the coastline you are living in such a flat, boring and hot climate that is just torture. Why live there if you aren't living by the coastline is beyond me. You can live far away from water in other states that actually have beauty and things to do. Plus much of that nothingness in centralized Florida is just farmland or swamp. Not ideal.

[@izzyconch7755]

Love Florida because of all the amenities but SC is also a beautiful state just to lay back for me

[@morganfalkdesigns]

The real estate taxes in the city of Charleston are a nightmare. $35,000/ year on a 3.5 million house, and nothing on the peninsula is less than $800,000…no public schools

[@DanBelsky_Health_Money_Love]

Love your energy and entrepreneurial insights!

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@sjupicudacuda898]

Tax on your Automobile?????

[@joanwood9480]

Don't know about Florida but in SC you pay property tax on your vehicle every year. That is basically your registration fee. SC does not have a yearly vehicle inspection.

[@sophiawish9772]

Florida has a homestead exemption on your primary dwelling. It is very hard to get a job in south Florida if you don't speak Spanish. The prce of wind damage insurance/ hurricane is unaffordable for most Floridians. Things to consider.

[@bucara41]

My wife and I going to SC to check out the area of Greenville area for possibility of moving from FL, we are retired and the cost of living here in FL it's very high, our property ins is $ 9500 with the state ins, cars ( 3 ) $3800 per year clean driving record, property tax $ 7300 , so we are definitely ready to move a way from this Shit state

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for the comment! Sorry to hear that you're not loving where you live. Greeneville is such a great area. Let us know if you would like any help making a connection there. We have a couple of terrific agents that we refer to in that market. Feel free to give us a buzz at 843-481-2225 or email me directly at [e-mail]

[@jimagent1826]

I heard SC has a worse crime rate. It is also the mobile home capitol of the US with 20 percent of the homes being mobile homes. Florida is more costly with both insurance and property taxes going up.

[@brettsorge2550]

Two things you failed to mention. Infrastructure in S. Carolina is in dreadful shape . Toads are in terrible shape. Florida on the other hand has much more expensive cost of living from taxes to insurance.

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for your comments. I agree, infrastructure has not kept up with growth in SC. Insurance has been a big issue in Florida. We will be posting a video comparing cost of living in the South Eastern states so stay tuned for that one!

[@swampshoveldetecting5088]

SC does not want you here 🫵👍

[@Sword_of_justice103]

Florida, hands down!

[@peterjohnson1734]

For what, everything?

[@merrittwilson7790]

I like both

[@RichardSevcech-hz3xu]

It to hot and to cold and road sucks

[@originalk9111]

lol don’t compare beautiful to fl

[@peterulrich497]

I live in Hilton Head, moved here from San Diego and absoutely love it. Not mentioned in the video is that Savannah is only 25 miles south of Hilton Head and you can get as much "urban" as you want there plus all the history, charm, riverboats and superb restaurants they have to offer. My relatives from Savannah come up for our community pool, HHI beaches and fishing and we go down there for events and serious southern style food. Now if I could do something about humidity, but then everybody would want to live here. Be careful what you wish for.

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for the comment and glad to hear that you are loving living on Hilton Head. Savannah is a huge plus. We love to go into Savannah. The restaurants are fantastic and it's a beautiful city. It's improved dramatically in the past 20 years!

[@cheryllancaster7268]

I’ve been looking in Florida and South Carolina, can you tell me how the homeowners insurance and auto insurance would differ? Can you tell me the difference between living in Bluffton and suburban areas of Columbia when it comes to insurance and lifestyle?

[@explorelowcountry]

Happy to help! Although we are Realtors and not insurance agents, the feedback that we've gotten from insurance agents is that Florida is quite a bit more expensive for auto insurance as well as homeowners. Here's a link to average rates from Wallet Hub: rb.gy/yqeigi Also, here's a link to average homeowners premiums by state: rb.gy/690qja Florida is generally considered to have higher risk on both weather related events and auto accidents etc. The insurance industry in general right now is in what we call a "Hard Market" where premiums increase and the supply of insurance to meet the demand decreases. This is a cycle and will not remain like this forever. Regarding lifestyle, if you want to text or call us, we are happy to chat about what it's like to live on the coast vs. more inland in someplace like Columbia. 843-885-1915

[@geedee4922]

Purchased a house in Florida 2 years ago and I’m over it . SC here I come . Been convinced on SC for about a year now . The cost is 😄outta control

[@captdrewcafe]

Wait til you register your car in SC. It is paying sales tax Every year. So car value X sales tax every year and The roads suck.

[@explorelowcountry]

True, but for those escaping high tax states, it's still a bargain. Particularly for primary residents on Real Estate Taxes. In MA we paid taxes on our cars in addition to very high Real Estate Taxes.

[@mwilson3602]

@@captdrewcafe how much do you pay for homeowners insurance? I'm all for everyone moving to Florida. SC native and don't like all the influx of people here. Our state can't handle the growth, especially so fast.

[@chas4x4]

neither period

[@jennifergilreath8012]

I lived 32 years in SE coast. I now live in SC. So gld to be out of FL.

[@explorelowcountry]

Whereabouts did you end up in SC? What do you like more about SC compared to FL?

[@jennifergilreath8012]

Right now Im in the Columbia area. I love the people.

[@jennifergilreath8012]

Fl was to transient.

[@CraigC-h6b]

@@jennifergilreath8012and it’s getting worse

[@Carolinaboy_17]

Team South Carolina!!

[@kenjohnson8510]

Neither

[@explorelowcountry]

Following up on the comments about Homestead Exemptions which I did not mention in the video. Here's a link to information for FL's Homestead exemption. rb.gy/f1j3sy There is a different type of Homestead Exemption for South Carolina. You can find information here: dor.sc.gov/lgs/homestead-exemption (difference in SC is that you must be 65+)

[@ufpride83]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention Charlotte as one of your city life destination for South Carolina. Great video though, looking to move to the Carolinas from Florida once my son is out of high school 🙂

[@benrouse2386]

I am 5th generation Floridian. South Carolina can't hold a candle to Florida. But I do wish more Floridians would move to South Carolina.

[@pamc3338]

I LOVE SC! The weather is awesome and crime seems to be less BUT it's bumper to bumper to get to the beach and there are gators everywhere. You can be taking a walk and see several. Also, while I do prefer a quieter life now that I'm a senior, SC is family oriented and mostly couples.If that's missing it can feel lonely. As for Florida, I hate the heat but it's a hodge podge of friendlier people. I haven't spent much time in north Fla but I may end up there. My parents left property 1/2 hr north of Destin.

[@explorelowcountry]

Thanks for dropping a comment!

[@balzoemg8415]

There are more gators in Florida than SC

[@ihave35cents95]

There’s only 100,000 gators in South Carolina there’s millions in Louisiana and Florida

[@morganfalkdesigns]

Definitely go to FL…SC, we full.

[@LadyD7]

Good video.

[@explorelowcountry]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for dropping a comment.

[@seeke8837]

I’m about to buy a house in lake Carolina, north east of Columbia…. Any advice about lake Carolina neighborhoods

[@explorelowcountry]

@seeke8837 Give us a call! 843-481-2225

[@Moneypower572]

I prefer Hallandale beach Florida beautiful city good beaches and restaurants and growing businesses and communities, and good nightlife.🙌🏻

[@cheryllancaster7268]

How much does it cost to buy and 2 bd 2 ba in Hallandale, what are the costs of car and home insurance. I think it’s beautiful but what about affordable?

[@Moneypower572]

@@cheryllancaster7268 it’s pretty affordable specially for a South Florida city.

[@-1Patroit.]

South Carolina Florida it doesn’t have raging ron

[@peterjohnson1734]

Both states have good governors, regardless of what mass media tells you.

[@marknewton6984]

Are you kidding? Florida is the best.

[@TimLucasdesign]

Ew

[@Gtfobcso2024]

Yeah, if you are a white male over age 21 th😢at identifies as republican....i am a female. Yeah, i could take hormones and get a sex change, but i am a woman so i have no rights in the south amongst white male pedos. Born and raised in FL. If i was a dude, it'd be great but my balls are ovaries...and I enjoy being what I was born as....

[@balzoemg8415]

Are you kidding?! Florida is NOT the best

[@Gtfobcso2024]

@@balzoemg8415 i agree. I just left fascist FL

[@Clay-i7y]

@@Gtfobcso2024 You mean freedom loving Florida?

[@PepeDeezNutz]

Everyone should move to Myrtle Beach SC

[@joanwood9480]

NO! the infrastructure couldn't handle it. I lived 18 miles from my job close to the beach and there were days it would take me an hour to get there. It took 20 years to get a high traffic road widened to 4 lanes. There's more but I won't get into it

[@PepeDeezNutz]

@@joanwood9480 ok that’s cool

[@sharonnycum5414]

I live in S.C. I have spent time in Florida and Florida is by far the best. There's nothing in S.C. to do the jobs and businesses don't last long people jump on new places and 2 months later they close from theft and slow business. You get no benefits. S.C. has no benefits and is predominantly poor.

[@peterjohnson1734]

I've spent time in both states as well and that's not at all accurate. Both states have their pros and cons. Florida is not all beaches and Disneyworld, there are plenty of dumpy and poor areas especially in Central Florida