Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to VTtoggle

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to Vermont will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in South Dakota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from SD to VT

If you’re moving to Vermont from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Vermont

South Dakota Vermont
Average rent cost $878 $1,149
Average home cost $306,944 $390,132
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $74,014
Cost of Living Index 100 0
Unemployment rate 1.9% 2.3%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 6.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 8.75%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 31% more expensive in Vermont than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 27% higher in Vermont than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 7% higher in Vermont than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 100% lower in Vermont than in South Dakota.
  • Vermont has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 21%.
  • Sales taxes are 6% lower in Vermont than in South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 9% higher in Vermont than in South Dakota.

How life is different in Vermont vs. South Dakota

Vermont South Dakota
Population 647,064 919,318
Political leaning Democratic 64-32 Republican 63-37
Summer high 79ºF 85ºF
Winter low 6ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 43" 23"
Annual snow 86" 39"
Crime index 18.93 21.14
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Vermont is approximately 30% lower than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Vermont voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Vermont is 79ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Vermont reaches the temperature of 6ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Vermont versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Vermont, it snows about 86 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Vermont has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 18.93 vs. 21.14.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Vermont

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Vermont compared to South Dakota.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Vermont
Outstanding tax benefits Great outdoor environment
Robust job market Simple and traditional lifestyle
Low cost of living Scenic
Beautiful rural landscapes Beautiful
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Abundant winter activities

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Vermont

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Vermont.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Vermont
Extreme weather Extremely cold weather
Small-town mindset Driving in the snow
Sparsely populated Sloppy mud season
Strange and offensive laws High cost of living
Unpredictable weather Small economy

Other things to consider for your South Dakota to Vermont movetoggle

  • Weather: Vermont has warm to hot summer and cold winters, with muddy springs, in general, a mild early summer, hot Augusts; it has colorful autumns. If you are moving in the winter be prepared for heavy snowfall.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Vermont, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Vermont moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Vermont does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 Vermont. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. When it comes to movers' insurance in Vermont, many moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no extra charge, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For heightened protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Exploring third-party insurance providers for personalized plans is also an option. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Vermont.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Vermonttoggle

While you’re in Vermont, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour
  • 2: Lake Champlain
  • 3: Shelburne Museum
  • 4: Smugglers Notch State Park
  • 5: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
  • 6: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home
  • 7: Montshire Museum of Science
  • 8: Killington Ski Resort
  • 9: Quechee Gorge
  • 10: Church Street Marketplace
  • 11: Rock of Ages Quarry
  • 12: Bennington Battle Monument
  • 13: Mount Mansfield
  • 14: Vermont State House
  • 15: Billings Farm and Museum
  • 16: Stowe Mountain Resort
  • 17: McCullough House
  • 18: Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
  • 19: Brattleboro Farmers’ Market
  • 20: Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium21: Green Mountain National Forest
  • 22: Moss Glen Falls
  • 23: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
  • 24: Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
  • 25: Vermont Antique Mall
  • 26: Old Round Church
  • 27: Pump House Indoor Waterpark
  • 28: Wilson Castle
  • 29: World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet
  • 30: The Alchemist
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Vermont?toggle

Hiring a full-service South Dakota moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from South Dakota to Vermont?toggle

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 Vermont separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Vermont?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Vermont are the amazing upsides of living in Vermont such as great outdoor environment and simple and traditional lifestyle.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Vermont?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in South Dakota than in Vermont. Housing is much more affordable in South Dakota, with average rent about 24% less and home prices 21% lower than in Vermont. South Dakota has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Vermont?toggle

You should make approximately $82,705 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Vermont. The cost of living in Vermont is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $6,655 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Vermont you live For example, larger cities like Burlington and Essex will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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