South Dakota to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to DC

ConsSouth Dakota

• Cold, harsh winters
• Limited job opportunities
• Rural isolation
• Fewer cultural events

ProsDC

• Warmer climate
• Expansive job market
• Vibrant city life
• Rich cultural scene

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DC

• High cost of living
• Noisy, busy streets
• Urban landscape
• Crowded roads

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Natural beauty
• Less traffic

Pros of moving from South Dakota to DC

• Say goodbye to cold, harsh winters and hello to a warmer climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to DC with an expansive job market
• Swap the rural isolation of South Dakota for vibrant city life in DC
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in DC

Cons of moving from South Dakota to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with a high cost of living in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of quiet neighborhoods and have to settle with the con of noisy, busy streets
• Time to bid farewell to natural beauty and get used to the urban landscape in DC
• Swap less traffic for crowded roads

South Dakota vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to DC, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Half Smoke of DC. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Buffalo burgers and sumptuous Indian tacos, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo sauce with chicken wings and food truck tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild rice and cranberry salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan chili of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Call Your Mother Deli, Ben's Chili Bowl, and Zaytinya. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Minervas, and Bob's Carryout and Steak.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and DC

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Row Houses architecture typical of DC.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to metro and green spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• DC has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• DC housing costs are 107% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased 8% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in DC is 101.57% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to DC. DC gets 11% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in DC.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 4 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 45% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in DC will be 49% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to DC, you'll now have a state income tax of 4-8.95%
• The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is low in DC compared to moderate poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in DC

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. DC

• South Dakota tends to lean consistently Republican in its political climate
• DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• DC's religious environment can be described as diverse with a higher percentage of unaffiliated individuals
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to DC

How Much Do South Dakota to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 1,432 miles from South Dakota to DC 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.