South Dakota to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Washington

ConsSouth Dakota

• Extreme winter cold
• Limited job opportunities
• Flat landscapes
• Low urban amenities

ProsWashington

• Mild coastal climate
• Thriving tech industry
• Scenic mountains
• Vibrant city life

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Washington

• High living expenses
• Traffic congestion
• More precipitation
• Fast-paced lifestyle

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Friendly communities
• Scenic prairies
• Quiet life pace

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Washington

• Say goodbye to extreme winter cold and hello to a mild coastal climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Washington with a thriving tech industry
• Swap the flat landscapes of South Dakota for scenic mountains in Washington
• Get ready for vibrant city life in Washington

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in South Dakota to live with high living expenses in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle with the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to scenic prairies and get used to more precipitation in Washington
• Swap a quiet life pace for a fast-paced lifestyle

South Dakota vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant Sandwich and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Washington residents know they have tasty Applewood Smoked Salmon and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Carnaval Brazilian Grill. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Pike Place Chowder, Canlis, and Ray’s Boathouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Washington

• The Ranch-style homes architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference quiet neighborhoods and spacious lots, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and proximity to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Washington housing costs are 98% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Washington is 65.62% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Washington. Washington gets 28% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Washington 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 earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 10 degrees colder than South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Washington are 27 degrees warmer than those in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 14 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 31% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Washington is 11% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Washington, you'll now have a state income tax of 0% on wages
• The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Washington compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and significant in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Washington

• South Dakota tends to lean conservatively inclined in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as liberal, especially in urban areas
• Washington's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse, with a significant non-religious population
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominately Christianity, with a strong presence of Protestant faiths

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Washington

How Much Do South Dakota to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 1,244 miles from South Dakota to Washington 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.