South Dakota to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to West Virginia

ConsSouth Dakota

• Severe winters
• Limited job market
• Sparse public transport
• Few cultural events

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder winters
• Diverse job opportunities
• Better connectivity
• Richer cultural offerings

---

West Virginia

• Higher living costs
• Less expansive terrain
• Less personal connections
• Higher population density

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Wide open spaces
• Close-knit communities
• Lower population density

Pros of moving from South Dakota to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to West Virginia with diverse job opportunities
• Swap the sparse public transport of South Dakota for better connectivity in West Virginia
• Get ready for richer cultural offerings in West Virginia

Cons of moving from South Dakota to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of wide open spaces and have to settle with the con of less expansive terrain
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to less personal connections in West Virginia
• Swap lower population density for higher population density

South Dakota vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Knoephla Soup (vegan version) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushrooms of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Minervas Restaurant and Bar, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Alma's. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Purple Fiddle, Front Porch Restaurant, and Pies and Pints.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and West Virginia

• The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Colonial architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than South Dakota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• West Virginia housing costs are 46% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in West Virginia is 16.08% more affordable than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 28% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• West Virginia 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 floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is the same as South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 21 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 22% less than those in South Dakota
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to West Virginia, you'll now have a state income tax of 3% to 6.5%
• The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in West Virginia compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. West Virginia

• South Dakota tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Protestant with a notable Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to West Virginia

How Much Do South Dakota to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,317 miles from South Dakota to West Virginia 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.