Best South Dakota to Washington Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from South Dakota to Washington and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,244 mile SD to WA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 116 South Dakota to Washington 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 Seattle Moves & More), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in South Dakota compared to Washington. 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.

Best South Dakota to Washington Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best South Dakota to Washington Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Seattle Moves & More9.549.39Authorized For HHGContact
2John Volken Academy Movers9.339.65Authorized For HHGContact
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 Washington

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,244 miles from South Dakota to Washington will cost on average $2,839 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom SD to WA move is roughly $6,830. 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 Washington 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 Washington movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,908300 ft³6.36
1 Bedroom$2,839450 ft³6.31
2 Bedrooms$4,694750 ft³6.26
3 Bedrooms$6,8301100 ft³6.21
4 Bedrooms$9,8551600 ft³6.16
5+ Bedrooms$10,9961800 ft³6.11
*Please note: These South Dakota to Washington moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Dakota & Washington. 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 WA mover.
South Dakota iconArrow iconWashington icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington to South Dakota guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular South Dakota to Washington Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from South Dakota to Washington

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Most Popular South Dakota to Washington Moving Routes

Compare the 6 Best SD to WA Movers

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

S

Seattle Moves & More

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

4601 Shilshole Ave NW

Seattle, WA, 98107

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
John Volken Academy Movers Logo

John Volken Academy Movers

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

921 Central Ave N

Kent, WA, 98032

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Washington

Moving from one state to another comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of both the good and bad attributes of relocating from South Dakota to Washington. Through the charts below, we'll explore various aspects of life in both states to help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Extreme cold winters
  • Less diverse economy
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Lower population density
Washington iconWashington
  • Milder winters
  • Robust job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Vibrant urban life
Washington iconWashington
  • Higher living costs
  • More crowded
  • Heavier traffic
  • Less personal space
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Lower cost of living
  • Open spaces
  • Lower traffic density
  • Close-knit communities

Moving from South Dakota’s sprawling landscapes to Washington’s bustling cities and lush forests offers exciting opportunities and a few challenges. In Washington, you’ll find yourself amid a rich cultural scene, with access to renowned establishments like the Seattle Art Museum, the vibrant music scene of Capitol Hill, and culinary delights in Pike Place Market. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the proximity to both mountains and the coast, providing endless adventures. However, be prepared for higher living costs and more crowded spaces, a stark contrast to South Dakota’s affordable and quieter lifestyle. Navigating through Washington’s heavier traffic, especially in cities like Seattle and Tacoma, can be a significant adjustment. Despite these differences, the move can be deeply rewarding, offering a blend of urban and natural beauty that's hard to find elsewhere.

South Dakota vs. Washington Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between South Dakota & Washington. Food significantly influences the local culture and the living experience in a new area. This comparison will help you understand the distinct food scenes of both states, aiding in a smoother transition to your new home.

South DakotaWashington
Most iconic local food itemChislicSalmon
Most popular meat dishPheasant SandwichApplewood Smoked Salmon
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Pike Place Chowder
  • Canlis
  • Ray’s Boathouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In South Dakota, Chislic, a simple yet tasty dish of deep-fried meat, is a local staple you'll find in many pubs and restaurants, most notably at Minervas. Moving to Washington, you'll discover the state's rich bounty from the sea, with salmon at the forefront of its food scene, beautifully prepared in establishments such as Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle. For those interested in exploring the street food culture, Washington's abundance of food trucks, particularly in Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, offers a diverse array of options from Teriyaki to international vegan dishes. Meanwhile, South Dakota’s iconic Indian Tacos provide a delicious insight into the state's cultural fusion, best experienced at local events and fairs.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

South Dakota vs. Washington Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences your relocation experience. It's critical to understand how South Dakota and Washington's housing markets compare, focusing on costs, styles, and living options. This comparison aims to guide your decision, ensuring you find a space that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleRanch-style homesModern and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingQuiet neighborhoods, Spacious lotsEco-friendly features, Proximity to nature

Moving from South Dakota to Washington will introduce notable changes in your housing situation. In Washington, the significant rise in the median home price and rent reflects its bustling economy and booming tech industry. Urban lifestyles rate higher here, especially in cities like Seattle, where walkability and bikeability make it easier to explore without a car. Eco-friendly features and close proximity to nature are often highlighted in Washington's real estate listings, aligning with the state's strong environmental ethos. Contrastingly, South Dakota's appeal lies in its spacious and quiet neighborhoods, suited for those who prefer a more relaxed pace of life.

South Dakota vs. Washington Weather Considerations

When planning a move from South Dakota to Washington, it's crucial to prepare for how drastically the weather can change. This comparison will help highlight the differences in climate you should expect, ensuring you're ready for your new environment. We will look into South Dakota's fluctuating temperatures against Washington's milder, more humid conditions to give you a comprehensive understanding.

Summer icon
85°F / 60°F

South Dakota

75°F / 55°F

Washington

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30°F / 10°F

South Dakota

47°F / 37°F

Washington

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
24"

South Dakota

38"

Washington

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
44"

South Dakota

16"

Washington

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Air QualityGoodVaries, mostly good
Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Considering a move from South Dakota to Washington requires adjusting expectations about weather extremes. For instance, Washington experiences significantly less sunshine annually, which increases the humidity and overall moisture in the air—quite different from South Dakota's dryer conditions. Additionally, the more moderate climate in Washington leads to milder winters and cooler summers, a pleasant change if you're not fond of extreme temperatures. Notably, the specifics of natural disasters shift from tornadoes and blizzards to earthquakes and potential volcanic activity. Such variations underline the importance of understanding your new home's climate, ensuring a smoother transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one state to another, comprehending the financial landscape of your new home is crucial. This comparison lays out the monetary aspects crucial for understanding a relocation, focusing on moving from South Dakota to Washington . By evaluating factors like income, taxes, and the cost of living, you’ll gain insight into what to expect financially.

ComparisonSouth DakotaWashington
Avg. Household Income$69,728$91,306
Cost of Living Index94.1104.1
State Income Tax00
Avg. Property Tax1.220.93
Avg. Sales Tax4.56.5
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertylowermoderate
Homelessnesslowerhigher

Moving from South Dakota to Washington will introduce you to a different economic environment. Despite Washington's higher average household income, the cost of living is significantly elevated, primarily due to housing prices. Both states fare equally in state income tax, as neither imposes one, but you'll notice a higher sales tax in Washington. An interesting shift is seen in the dominant industries, with Washington being a tech and aerospace hub, contrasting South Dakota's emphasis on agriculture and manufacturing. This economic backdrop not only impacts job prospects but also contributes to the differences in affluence and homelessness rates between the two states, offering a nuanced picture for potential residents.

South Dakota vs. Washington Political & Religious Comparison

In considering a move from South Dakota to Washington, it's essential to understand the stark contrasts in the communities you'll be joining. This guide offers a bold comparison of the politics between South Dakota & Washington , alongside a glance at the religious landscape. It's a succinct look at what shapes the character of these two distinguished states.

South DakotaWashington
Political Make-upConservatively inclinedLiberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state governmentDemocratic control in both state and many local governments
ReligionChristianity predominates, with a strong presence of Protestant faithsMore religiously diverse, with significant none population

Understanding the political and religious landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. South Dakota's conservative lean, heavily influenced by its rural areas, contrasts with Washington's liberal disposition, colored by its urban centers like Seattle and Olympia. This divergence extends to local politics, where Washington exhibits significant Democratic control, not just on the state level but also within its cities. Religious presence in South Dakota is more uniform, with a strong Christian Protestant majority. In contrast, Washington's population exhibits a broader spectrum of beliefs, including a notable presence of individuals with no religious affiliation. This diversity reflects the state's populous urban areas, known for their inclusive culture.

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Washington

Moving from South Dakota to Washington involves many big decisions, especially if you have a family. One of the most important considerations is education. To help you make an informed choice, we've compared schooling options in each state. This chart aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in South Dakota and Washington.

South DakotaWashington

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of South Dakota
South Dakota State University
Dakota State University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Cascadia Elementary (Seattle)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Bertschi School (Seattle)

Top 3 Middle Schools

George McGovern Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Vermillion Middle School (Vermillion)
International School (Bellevue)
Odyssey Middle School (Bainbridge Island)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)

Top 3 High Schools

Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Roosevelt High School (Seattle)

Top 3 private high schools

O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Overlake School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Spearfish Classical Christian School (Spearfish)
Dakota Christian School (Corsica)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
The Bush School (Seattle)

Top 3 School Districts

Sioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Harrisburg School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District
Bellevue School District

Washington is renowned for its robust educational system, offering a wide array of highly rated public and private schooling options. For example, the International School in Bellevue manages to excel both as a top high school and a middle school, reflecting its strong curriculum that serves a range of grade levels effectively. In South Dakota, the focus on community and smaller class sizes in schools like the Challenge Center in Sioux Falls provides a nurturing environment for students. Both states offer distinct advantages depending on what educational outcomes you value most for your children, such as Washington's emphasis on diverse and highly competitive academic environments or South Dakota's more personalized educational approach.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best South Dakota to Washington Movers Featured Image