Pennsylvania to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota

ConsPennsylvania

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Overcrowded cities
• Humid summers
• Tax burden

ProsSouth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Wide open spaces
• Mild summers
• No personal income tax

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South Dakota

• Fewer historical sites
• Greater distances to major cities
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited job options
• Fewer amenities

Pennsylvania

• Rich history
• Access to NYC and DC
• Diverse culture
• Thriving job market
• Abundant amenities

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania 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 less congestion
• Swap the overcrowded cities of Pennsylvania for wide open spaces in South Dakota
• Get ready for mild summers in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of access to NYC and DC and have to settle with the con of greater distances to major cities
• Time to bid farewell to the diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in South Dakota
• Swap the thriving job market for limited job options

Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzels, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Vetri Cucina. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Carnaval Brazilian Grill, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like big yards and energy efficiency.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• South Dakota housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in South Dakota is 19.78% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 19% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible flooding and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 3% less than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is balanced compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is noticeable in South Dakota compared to manageable poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is persistent in Pennsylvania and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. South Dakota

• Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservatively leaning
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with less religious diversity
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota

How Much Do Pennsylvania to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,342 miles from Pennsylvania 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.