South Dakota to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Rural isolation
• Limited job market
• Fewer cultural events
• Low population density

ProsPennsylvania

• Milder winters
• Urban amenities
• Diverse job opportunities
• Rich cultural scene
• Active social life

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Pennsylvania

• Higher living costs
• Faster pace
• Urban congestion
• Limited green areas
• Less personal space

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Simpler lifestyle
• Natural beauty
• Wide open spaces
• Family-friendly

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Pennsylvania with urban amenities
• Swap the limited job market of South Dakota for diverse job opportunities in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of a simpler lifestyle and have to settle with the con of a faster pace
• Time to bid farewell to natural beauty and get used to urban congestion in Pennsylvania
• Swap wide open spaces for limited green areas

South Dakota vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Pennsylvania

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic detail and proximity to amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 24.65% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 21% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower 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 winter storms in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 22 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 3% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.07%
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Pennsylvania

• South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Catholic and Protestant
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania

How Much Do South Dakota to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,342 miles from South Dakota to Pennsylvania 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.