How we chose the best moving companies for your SD to VA move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 14 South Dakota moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Virginia?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from South Dakota to Virginia.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,467 – $5,588 |
$934 – $2,297 |
$840 – $1,692 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,235 – $7,439 |
$1,772 – $3,523 |
$945 – $1,953 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$6,072 – $10,563 |
$2,248 – $4,793 |
$1,131 – $2,530 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,482-mile move from SD to
VA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Virginia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Virginia typically costs between
$1,467 and
$5,588.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$3,235
and $7,439
when moving from SD to VA.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from South Dakota to Virginia,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,072
up to $10,563.
Cost of moving containers from South Dakota to Virginia
If you’re relocating from South Dakota to Virginia,
you’ll typically spend between $934
and $2,297 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,772 up to
$3,523.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$2,248 and
$4,793. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from South Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Dakota to Virginia
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$840 and
$1,692.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$945 to
$1,953.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $1,131 and
$2,530.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to VA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from South Dakota to Virginia. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
-
Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in South Dakota, which usually means higher prices.
-
Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from SD to VA
Transitioning from South Dakota to Virginia gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Virginia
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between South Dakota and Virginia are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
South Dakota |
Virginia |
| Average rent |
$878 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.4% |
5.73% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
5.75% |
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Rent is about 64% more expensive in Virginia than in South Dakota. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Virginia are roughly 28% higher than in South Dakota.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 26% more in Virginia than in South Dakota. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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With a similar cost of living in both South Dakota and Virginia, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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Unemployment in Virginia is about 53% higher than in South Dakota. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Sales tax in Virginia is 10% lower than in South Dakota, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
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Virginia has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Virginia vs. South Dakota
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Virginia and South Dakota compare.
|
Virginia |
South Dakota |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
23″ |
| Annual snow |
14″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
21.14 |
-
If you’re moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you’ll find Virginia has about 848% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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In the last presidential election, Virginia leaned Democratic, while South Dakota supported Republican.
-
The average summer high in Virginia is 87°F, while South Dakota averages 85°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
-
In winter, Virginia drops only to 25°F, milder than 7°F in South Dakota.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
Get ready for about 44 inches of rain each year in Virginia.
That’s quite a change from the 23 inches you’re used to back in South Dakota. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
-
In Virginia, it only snows about 14 inches annually while South Dakota gets 39 inches.
Moving to Virginia, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Virginia boasts a lower crime rate than South Dakota, with a crime index of 19.3 compared to 21.14.
This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you’re moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Virginia
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Virginia to South Dakota:
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Strong economy |
| Robust job market |
Beautiful scenery |
| Low cost of living |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Virginia
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from South Dakota to Virginia:
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| Extreme weather |
High cost of living |
| Small-town mindset |
Unpredictable weather |
| Sparsely populated |
Bad traffic congestion |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Lack of public transportation |
| Unpredictable weather |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Virginia move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
State licensing:
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Virginia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Virginia, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Virginia. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
-
Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Virginia
Get excited to explore Virginia. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners’ Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State Park
Sports teams in Virginia
- Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
- Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
- Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
- Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
- Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Virginia?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
South Dakota to
Virginia
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Virginia?
Many people are making the move from South Dakota to Virginia to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Virginia has to offer, like strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Virginia?
Living in South Dakota usually costs less than in Virginia.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in South Dakota,
with average rent about 39% less and home prices 22% lower than in Virginia.
The tax rate is about the same between South Dakota and Virginia.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
Planning to move to Virginia? A single adult should aim for an income of around $72,647 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $19,977 for an individual, or $4,783 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Neabsco and Virginia Beach usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
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When relocating from South Dakota to Virginia, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,235 to
$7,439, roughly
$2,647 for a container move, and close to
$1,449
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
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