Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to SD
There are many factors that influence
West Virginia moving costs.
The cost to move from West Virginia to South Dakota 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 West Virginia 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 WV to SD
If you’re moving to South Dakota from West Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. South Dakota
|
West Virginia |
South Dakota |
| Average rent cost |
$899 |
$878 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$306,944 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$69,457 |
| Cost of Living Index |
90 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
1.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.0% |
6.4% |
| State Income Tax |
6.5% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 2% less expensive in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
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Home prices are about 83% higher in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
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The average income is about 26% higher in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
-
Cost of living is 11% lower in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
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South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 55%.
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Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
-
South Dakota has no income tax.
How life is different in South Dakota vs. West Virginia
|
South Dakota |
West Virginia |
| Population |
919,318 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 63-37 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
7ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
23" |
45" |
| Annual snow |
39" |
33" |
| Crime index |
21.14 |
17.47 |
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The population of South Dakota is approximately 48% lower than the population of West Virginia.
-
In the last presidential election, South Dakota voted Republican and West Virginia voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in South Dakota is 85ºF
and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, South Dakota reaches the temperature of 7ºF
and West Virginia gets down to 21ºF.
-
You can expect about 23 inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota versus 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
-
In South Dakota, it snows about 39 inches annually
versus 33 inches of snow in West Virginia.
-
South Dakota has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index
of 21.14 vs. 17.47.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. South Dakota
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in South Dakota compared to West Virginia.
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in South Dakota |
| Low cost of living |
Outstanding tax benefits |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Robust job market |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
Low cost of living |
| Immense natural beauty |
Beautiful rural landscapes |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. South Dakota
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 West Virginia for South Dakota.
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in South Dakota |
| Dismal economy |
Extreme weather |
| High rates of crime |
Small-town mindset |
| High rates of drug abuse |
Sparsely populated |
| Shrinking population |
Strange and offensive laws |
| Lack of diversity |
Unpredictable weather |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to South Dakota move
- Weather: In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
-
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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
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.
In South Dakota, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. To enhance protection, discuss Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, consider exploring third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your moving insurance in South Dakota.
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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 South Dakota
While you’re in South Dakota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Mitchell Corn Palace
- Black Hills National Forest
- Badlands National Park
- Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
- Wind Cave National Park
- National Music Museum
- Sioux Falls Park
- Spearfish Canyon
- Deadwood
- South Dakota Air and Space Museum
- Sylvan Lake
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Good Earth State Park
- Ingalls Homestead
- Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
- Children’s Museum of South Dakota
- Old Courthouse Museum
- Bear Butte State Park
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
Best overall value
