Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to WV
There are many factors that influence
South Dakota moving costs.
The cost to move from South Dakota to West Virginia will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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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 WV
If you’re moving to West Virginia from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Dakota vs. West Virginia
|
South Dakota |
West Virginia |
| Average rent cost |
$878 |
$899 |
| Average home cost |
$306,944 |
$168,172 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,457 |
$55,217 |
| Cost of Living Index |
100 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
1.9% |
4.2% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.4% |
6.0% |
| State Income Tax |
0.0% |
6.5% |
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Rent is about 2% more expensive in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
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Home prices are about 45% lower in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
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The average income is about 21% lower in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
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Cost of living is 10% lower in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
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West Virginia has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 121%.
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Sales taxes are 6% lower in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
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Income taxes are 7% higher in West Virginia than in South Dakota.
How life is different in West Virginia vs. South Dakota
|
West Virginia |
South Dakota |
| Population |
1,782,959 |
919,318 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 69-30 |
Republican 63-37 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
21ºF |
7ºF |
| Annual rain |
45" |
23" |
| Annual snow |
33" |
39" |
| Crime index |
17.47 |
21.14 |
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The population of West Virginia is approximately 94% greater than the population of South Dakota.
-
In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and South Dakota voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF
and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF
and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
-
You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus 23 inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
-
In West Virginia, it snows about 33 inches annually
versus 39 inches of snow in South Dakota.
-
West Virginia has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index
of 17.47 vs. 21.14.
Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. West Virginia
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in West Virginia compared to South Dakota.
| Pros of living in South Dakota |
Pros of living in West Virginia |
| Outstanding tax benefits |
Low cost of living |
| Robust job market |
Abundant outdoor activities |
| Low cost of living |
4 distinct seasons of weather |
| Beautiful rural landscapes |
Immense natural beauty |
| Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Relaxed small cities and towns |
Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. West Virginia
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 West Virginia.
| Cons of living in South Dakota |
Cons of living in West Virginia |
| Extreme weather |
Dismal economy |
| Small-town mindset |
High rates of crime |
| Sparsely populated |
High rates of drug abuse |
| Strange and offensive laws |
Shrinking population |
| Unpredictable weather |
Lack of diversity |
Other things to consider for your South Dakota to West Virginia move
- Weather: West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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State licensing:
In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a West Virginia moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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 West Virginia.
Get started here.
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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 relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in West Virginia
While you’re in West Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
- Snowshoe Mountain
- West Virginia State Penitentiary
- Seneca Caverns
- New River Gorge Bridge
- West Virginia State Capitol
- Summersville Lake
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
- Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Seneca Rocks State Park
- The Greenbrier
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
- Monongahela National Forest
- Coopers Rock State Forest
- Hawks Nest State Park
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Green Bank Observatory
- Mothman Museum
- Charleston Capitol Market
Helpful moving resources
South Dakota moving services
Popular South Dakota routes
Best overall value
