There’s a lot to think about when moving to South Carolina from New Mexico. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the South Carolina DMV to transfer your New Mexico driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to South Carolina from New Mexico. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and South Carolina state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your New Mexico driver’s license to South Carolina within 90 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get South Carolina license plates within 45 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for South Carolina and New Mexico.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to South Carolina.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to South Carolina property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the South Carolina DMV to transfer your New Mexico driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from New Mexico to South Carolina.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in South Carolina.
Moving to South Carolina from New Mexico Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your New Mexico license & registration to South Carolina.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to South Carolina here.
Cost of Moving from New Mexico to South Carolina
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from New Mexico to South Carolina will cost.
The rough distance between South Carolina and New Mexico is 1,438 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: New Mexico to South Carolina
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in South Carolina
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for South Carolina
When you move to South Carolina, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for South Carolina.
South Carolina Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In South Carolina, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$524
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for car insurance in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$1,532
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for full coverage in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Do you own a motorcycle?
South Carolina Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$1,172
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Will you own or rent your home?
South Carolina Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in South Carolina.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in South Carolina
Lower
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to South Carolina from New Mexico
Transfer your New Mexico Driver’s License
within 90 days.
After you’ve moved to South Carolina, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your New Mexico Car Registration
within 45 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get South Carolina license plates.
When you become a resident of South Carolina, you’ll need to transfer your New Mexico driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for South Carolina. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in South Carolina is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for South Carolina for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your New Mexico Driver’s License to South Carolina
Minimum Age for a South Carolina Driver’s License
16 1/2 years old
A standard South Carolina driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 16 1/2 years old.
South Carolina Driver’s License Expires
every 8 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 8 years.
South Carolina Driver’s License Cost
$12.50
A driver’s license will cost around $12.50.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of South Carolina is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their South Carolina driver’s license within 90 days.
In South Carolina, driver’s licenses are issued by the DMV.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the South Carolina Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your New Mexico driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new South Carolina address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The South Carolina DMV will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://www.scdmvonline.com/.
South Carolina Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the South Carolina Driver’s License Test
30 total questions
The South Carolina knowledge exam will typically consist of 30 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
80%
You’ll need to score 80% to pass the test.
When you transfer your New Mexico license to South Carolina, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in South Carolina.
Before you visit the DMV, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for South Carolina. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your New Mexico driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the South Carolina driving test.
Is your New Mexico driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your New Mexico driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your New Mexico license should be valid when you apply for a license in South Carolina.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the New Mexico DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your New Mexico driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your New Mexico driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your New Mexico driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your South Carolina license, it’s possible that the DMV will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your New Mexico driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the South Carolina DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from New Mexico to South Carolina
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your New Mexico registration to South Carolina.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the South Carolina DMV.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://www.scdmvonline.com/
South Carolina Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
South Carolina vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$40+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
South Carolina Registration Expiration
every year
In South Carolina, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
A front license plate is not required in South Carolina.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
There is typically no vehicle safety inspection required in South Carolina.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is not required for vehicles registered in South Carolina.
New residents in South Carolina are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 45 days.
When moving to South Carolina with vehicles from New Mexico, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for South Carolina registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from New Mexico.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for South Carolina registration.
- Have a valid South Carolina insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the New Mexico DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the New Mexico DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in South Carolina vs New Mexico
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from New Mexico to South Carolina including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to South Carolina.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to South Carolina from New Mexico.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to South Carolina from New Mexico
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax savings when moving to South Carolina from New Mexico.
South Carolina Income Tax (effective rates)
3.28% (single) & 3.90% (joint)
South Carolina has a state income tax with an effective rate of 3.28% for single filers, and 3.9% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
18.92%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less in income tax in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- South Carolina: 18.92% (single), 19.40% (joint)
- New Mexico: 18.94% (single), 18.27% (joint)
In South Carolina, your tax would be . In New Mexico, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to South Carolina from New Mexico
- State Income Tax (single filers): 3.28% in South Carolina vs 3.16% in New Mexico
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 3.90% in South Carolina vs 2.96% in New Mexico
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 18.92% in South Carolina vs 18.94% in New Mexico
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 19.40% in South Carolina vs 18.27% in New Mexico
Sales Tax in South Carolina vs New Mexico
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
South Carolina Sales Tax
6%
South Carolina has a state sales tax rate of 6%.
The sales tax rate is higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Property Taxes in South Carolina vs New Mexico
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in South Carolina, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
South Carolina Property Tax Estimate
0.57%
The property tax rate is lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Home Prices in South Carolina
$162,300
On average, the average home price is lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for a house in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your South Carolina homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in South Carolina vs New Mexico?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in South Carolina.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for South Carolina and New Mexico to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in South Carolina is
-3.50% cheaper
than the national average, compared to -5.80% cheaper for New Mexico.
South Carolina Cost of Living Index
96.5
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for many things in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Cost of Groceries
0.10% more expensive
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for groceries in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Housing Costs
-10.60% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for housing costs in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
South Carolina Utilities
5.30% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Transportation Costs
-8.40% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less on transportation in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Healthcare in South Carolina
-3.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Miscellaneous Costs
-0.50% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in South Carolina. You’ll likely pay more for these things in South Carolina than you did in New Mexico.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from New Mexico to South Carolina.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to South Carolina.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from New Mexico to South Carolina.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in South Carolina to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a South Carolina local.