($1,299) Moving From West Virginia to South Dakota

Quick answer: The average cost to move from West Virginia to South Dakota ranges from $909 to $6,240 and takes three-eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service West Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 West Virginia to South Dakota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from South Dakota to West Virginia guide.

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The best West Virginia to South Dakota movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from West Virginia to South Dakota is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving West Virginia to South Dakota:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local West Virginia movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.24 overall rating
1301 7th Ave # A, Huntington, WV, 25701
(304) 529-2360
Central Van Lines Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4 overall rating
37 Jacobson Dr, Poca, WV, 25159
(304) 755-1898

Visit our Best Movers in West Virginia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to South Dakota?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from West Virginia to South Dakota for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,299 - $4,701 $949 - $2,325 $793 - $1,576
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,721 - $6,240 $1,664 - $3,187 $909 - $1,766
4+ bedrooms $5,133 - $9,196 $2,190 - $4,278 $1,078 - $2,109

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,321 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

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.
  • 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from West Virginia to South Dakota?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to South Dakota will cost between $1,299 and $4,701. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WV to SD will range from $2,721 to $6,240, and a large move from West Virginia to South Dakota will cost from $5,133 to $9,196.

How much are moving containers like PODS from West Virginia to South Dakota?

Moving containers from West Virginia to South Dakota will cost you $949 to $2,325 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,664 to $3,187. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,190 to $4,278. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of West Virginia.

How much is a moving truck from West Virginia to South Dakota?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $793 to $1,576. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $909 to $1,766, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from West Virginia to South Dakota costs from $1,078 to $2,109.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from West Virginia to South Dakota a good idea?

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%
  • Rent is about 2% less expensive in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 83% higher in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
  • 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.
  • South Dakota has a lower unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 55%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in South Dakota than in West Virginia.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in South Dakota than in West Virginia.

How does life in South Dakota differ from 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
  • 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 twenty-three inches of annual rainfall in South Dakota versus forty-five inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
  • In South Dakota, it snows about thirty-nine inches annually versus thirty-three 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

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in West Virginia versus South Dakota side by side.

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

Not everything is 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

What to know before your move to South Dakota

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from West Virginia to South Dakota?

The cheapest way to move from West Virginia to South Dakota is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to South Dakota?

The main reasons people are moving from West Virginia to South Dakota are the amazing upsides of living in South Dakota such as outstanding tax benefits and robust job market.

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or South Dakota?

It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in South Dakota. Housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 2% less and home prices 45% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in South Dakota?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in South Dakota you live For example, larger cities like Aberdeen and Box Elder will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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