Best South Dakota to Virginia Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from South Dakota to Virginia and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,481 mile SD to VA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 135 South Dakota to Virginia moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is ARS Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Virginia. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best South Dakota to Virginia Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1ARS Movers9.639.76Authorized For HHGContact
2A Change of Place Movers9.589.44Authorized For PropertyContact
3Dial-A-Move Inc.8.927.93Authorized For HHGContact
4Two Men and a Truck8.918.11Authorized For HHGContact
5Dial-A-Move8.257.86Authorized For HHGContact
6The Moving Guys, LLC8.067.63Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from South Dakota to Virginia

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,481 miles from South Dakota to Virginia will cost on average $3,041 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to VA move is roughly $7,323. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in South Dakota and dropoff in Virginia as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve South Dakota to Virginia movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,042300 ft³6.81
1 Bedroom$3,041450 ft³6.76
2 Bedrooms$5,030750 ft³6.71
3 Bedrooms$7,3231100 ft³6.66
4 Bedrooms$10,5711600 ft³6.61
5+ Bedrooms$11,8031800 ft³6.56
*Please note: These South Dakota to Virginia moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Virginia. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed SD to VA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best SD to VA Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

ARS Movers Logo

ARS Movers

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

Herndon, VA, 20170

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
1
A

A Change of Place Movers

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 925+ data points

Hopewell, VA, 23860

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Dial-A-Move Inc. Logo

Dial-A-Move Inc.

Superb8.92/10
based on 483+ data points

640 9th Ave SW Suite 200

Aberdeen, SD, 57401

About Dial-A-Move Inc.

Family-run Dial-A-Move is a professional moving company incorporated in 2001. It has a location in Aberdeen, SD, offering a wide range...

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/21/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.91/10
based on 843+ data points

222 N Marion Rd Ste B

Sioux Falls, SD, 57107

About Two Men and a Truck

Launched in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck serves residential and commercial customers all over the country. The company opened...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2575221 / 904586

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Dial-A-Move Logo

Dial-A-Move

Very Good8.25/10
based on 108+ data points

1744 7th Ave SW

Watertown, SD, 57201

About Dial-A-Move

Dial-A-Move is your one-stop shop for affordable moving options. It has offices in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Huron, serving the Midwest and...

Services

  • Cheap moving options
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

885778 / 386322

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
The Moving Guys, LLC Logo

The Moving Guys, LLC

Good8.06/10
based on 157+ data points

1741 Deadwood Ave

Rapid City, SD, 57702

About The Moving Guys, LLC

The Moving Guys, LLC is a locally-owned moving company based in Rapid City, providing comprehensive moving services to the Black Hills...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3199241 / 160684

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved175,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting yet exciting endeavor. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Virginia. By examining the pros and cons through tailored charts, you'll gain a clear perspective on what to expect from your new home in contrast to what you're leaving behind.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer entertainment options
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Milder winters
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Broader job market
  • More entertainment options
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less open space
  • More traffic
  • Less community intimacy
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Vast natural landscapes
  • Less traffic
  • Strong community bonds

While moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find that Virginia offers a wide array of cultural and entertainment options, from the iconic theaters and museums in Charlottesville to the vibrant restaurant scene in Richmond. Notable places such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the historic Colonial Williamsburg offer enriching experiences that are rare in South Dakota. However, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living, especially in popular areas like Arlington and Alexandria. Additionally, Virginia's natural beauty, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, might offer less open space than South Dakota's vast landscapes but compensates with breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Nevertheless, the adjustment to more congested traffic, particularly in the Northern Virginia region, can be significant for those accustomed to South Dakota's quieter roads.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is vital as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to compare the food scenes of two distinct locations. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Virginia, aimed at offering you a better picture of what culinary delights await you in your new home.

South DakotaVirginia
Most iconic local food itemChislicVirginia Ham
Most popular meat dishPheasantBarbecue
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice DishVegetable Grain Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Minervas
    • Phillips Avenue Diner
    • Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
    • The Inn at Little Washington
    • L’Opossum
    • Mama 'Zu
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In South Dakota, chislic, a simple yet delicious fried meat dish, reigns supreme as the state's most iconic food item. In contrast, Virginia offers a rich history with its famous Virginia Ham, a staple you must try. Virginia is known for its vibrant food scene, particularly in trendy neighborhoods and cities like Richmond and Norfolk, where you'll find an array of vegan options and a pulsating food truck culture. The Inn at Little Washington, located in Virginia, is a notable restaurant that provides an unforgettable dining experience, highlighting the state's commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

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South Dakota vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. Here's a comparison to help you gauge how South Dakota and Virginia stack up in terms of housing , highlighting differences in costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle aspects.

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleRanch & Split-levelColonial & Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Natural landscapesProximity to amenities, Historic charm

Moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find notable differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle. For instance, the higher median home price and rent in Virginia reflect its proximity to major urban centers and richer historical influences, offering Colonial and Craftsman styles. However, both states value outdoor space, seen through South Dakota's spacious yards and Virginia's appreciation for historic charm and accessibility to amenities. While South Dakota offers a more laid-back urban lifestyle with its ranch and split-level homes nestled among natural landscapes, Virginia provides a denser urban experience with better walkability and bikeability, perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and urban convenience.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Weather Considerations

Moving from one state to another can be a big adjustment, especially when it comes to the weather. It's vital to compare weather patterns and prepare for how they will impact your daily life moving between South Dakota and Virginia. This overview will help you understand the differences and similarities in climate you can expect.

Summer icon
85°F / 60°F

South Dakota

87°F / 67°F

Virginia

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30°F / 10°F

South Dakota

48°F / 29°F

Virginia

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
20-30"

South Dakota

40-45"

Virginia

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
30-40"

South Dakota

10-20"

Virginia

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find Virginia's winters milder and the summers slightly more humid and warmer. While both states enjoy a roughly comparable number of sunny days, Virginia receives significantly more rainfall annually, which contributes to its lush landscapes. Notably, Virginia is prone to different natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods, as opposed to South Dakota's blizzards and tornadoes. This means you'll need to prepare for different emergency situations. Additionally, the increased humidity and pollen types in Virginia could affect those with allergies differently than in South Dakota. Understanding these differences will help you better adjust to your new environment.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

When considering relocating from one state to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. Understand how the cost of living and economic factors of South Dakota and Virginia compare to ensure a smooth transition. This overview will help you anticipate changes in your expenditures and lifestyle.

ComparisonSouth DakotaVirginia
Avg. Household Income$69,728$85,873
Cost of Living Index94.196.6
State Income Tax02 - 5.75
Avg. Property Tax1.220.80
Avg. Sales Tax4.55.3
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TourismTechnology, Military Defense, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowLower
HomelessnessLowLower

Relocating from South Dakota to Virginia, you’ll notice differences in both income and expenses. Despite the higher average household income in Virginia, the cost of living is also greater, shaped by higher housing and living expenses. However, Virginia's broader employment opportunities in the technology and defense industries may offset these costs. While state income tax in Virginia varies, South Dakota enjoys a 0% income tax rate, which could be a significant adjustment. Each state presents a unique financial portrait, influenced by local industries and tax policies, which underscores the importance of planning your move carefully.

South Dakota vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from South Dakota to Virginia, it's beneficial to understand the communities you'll be embracing. This comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Virginia provides a quick glance at the political and religious landscape, helping you prepare for the cultural shift.

South DakotaVirginia
Political Make-upLean conservativeSwing state, recently leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsRural interests dominateUrban and suburban interests more influential
ReligionHigh Protestant presenceDiverse religious landscape

If you're moving from South Dakota to Virginia, you'll find the political landscape quite different. South Dakota tends to have a conservative leaning heavily influenced by its rural makeup, where local concerns, such as agriculture, tend to guide political discussions. In contrast, Virginia's political climate has been shifting, particularly due to the growing influence of its urban and suburban areas, making it a key swing state with a more diverse set of political views. Religion in South Dakota is predominantly Protestant, reflecting the state's traditional values. On the other hand, Virginia offers a more pluralistic religious scene, mirroring its diverse population. This shift from a more homogenous to a diverse environment in terms of politics and religion might be particularly noticeable.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Virginia

Moving from South Dakota to Virginia brings a host of changes, especially when it comes to education. By comparing the educational landscape between these two states, the purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from South Dakota to Virginia. This guide will help you navigate your options and make informed decisions for your family's educational journey.

South DakotaVirginia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Endeavor Elem (Harrisburg)
Discovery Elem (Sioux Falls)
Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Stenwood Elementary (Vienna)
Nottingham Elementary (Arlington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Mickelson Middle (Brookings)
George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Frost Middle (Fairfax)
Kilmer Middle (Vienna)

Top 3 High Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
The Madeira School (McLean)
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria)
Episcopal High School (Alexandria)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
James Valley Christian School (Huron)
Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
The Potomac School (McLean)
Flint Hill School (Oakton)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District
Fairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools

When considering the move from South Dakota to Virginia, noting the educational opportunities available can help ease the transition. For instance, Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria is nationally recognized for its STEM curriculum, an excellent option for students with a keen interest in sciences and technology. Similarly, South Dakota prides itself on having strong community involvement in local schools such as the Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, which boasts a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs. The contrast in school options extends to higher education, where Virginia offers prestigious universities such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, known for their research and academic excellence. Understanding these differences ensures you can make an informed decision on what's best for your educational paths and career future.

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