Washington to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to South Dakota

ConsWashington

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Rainy weather
• High taxes
• Expensive dining

ProsSouth Dakota

• More affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• More sunny days
• Lower taxes
• Cost-effective dining

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South Dakota

• Fewer cultural events
• Less geographical diversity
• Limited job opportunities
• Conservative atmosphere
• Fewer dining options

Washington

• Rich cultural scene
• Scenic landscapes
• Thriving job market
• Progressive policies
• Gourmet restaurants

Pros of moving from Washington to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to South Dakota with less crowded roads
• Swap the rainy weather of Washington for more sunny days in South Dakota
• Get ready for lower taxes in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Washington to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural scene in Washington to live with fewer cultural events in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle for the con of less geographical diversity
• Time to bid farewell to the thriving job market and get used to limited job opportunities in South Dakota
• Swap progressive policies for a conservative atmosphere

Washington vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Washington to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Grilled Salmon and sumptuous Taco Trucks, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Bowl of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, The Herbfarm, and Mamnoon. 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, Crawford's Bar and Grill, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and South Dakota

• The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Traditional architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and natural scenery.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away, as South Dakota is less walkable than Washington.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike, because South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Washington.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Washington.
• South Dakota housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
• Rent in South Dakota is 39.62% more affordable than in Washington.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 40% more sunshine days than Washington.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 10 degrees warmer than Washington.
• The average winter lows are 26 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 24% less than in Washington
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 10% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high in Washington
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to moderate in Washington
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. South Dakota

• Washington tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as more religiously affiliated with a Christian majority
• Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to South Dakota

How Much Do Washington to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,245 miles from Washington 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.