DC to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to South Dakota

ConsDC

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Limited green spaces
• Busy urban lifestyle
• High crime rate

ProsSouth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Sparse traffic
• Abundant nature
• Relaxed pace
• Safer communities

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South Dakota

• Limited historical sites
• Lesser cultural variety
• Fewer job opportunities
• Limited public transit
• Fewer dining options

DC

• Rich history
• Diverse culture
• Thriving job market
• Excellent public transport
• Variety of restaurants

Pros of moving from DC to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to South Dakota with sparse traffic
• Swap the limited green spaces of DC for abundant nature in South Dakota
• Get ready for a relaxed pace in South Dakota

Cons of moving from DC to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in DC to live with limited historical sites in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of lesser cultural variety
• Time to bid farewell to a thriving job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in South Dakota
• Swap excellent public transport for limited public transit

DC vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Soul Food they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burgers of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Jaleo. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Crawford's Bar and Grill, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

When comparing lifestyles, South Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in South Dakota compared to what you are used to in DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in South Dakota.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and South Dakota

• The Victorian and Brownstone architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference being near metro stations and featuring rooftop decks, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet streets.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Dakota is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than DC.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than DC.
• South Dakota housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to DC's $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased 48% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in South Dakota is 50.39% more affordable than in DC.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between DC and South Dakota

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 5% more sunshine days than DC.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 3 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 20.8 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 31% less than in DC
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 33% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to low in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in DC and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. South Dakota

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as pluralistic

Education Guide When Moving from DC to South Dakota

How Much Do DC to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,432 miles from DC to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.