Arizona to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

ConsArizona

• Extremely hot summers
• Higher cost of living
• Limited natural lakes
• Desert landscape
• Overcrowded cities

ProsSouth Dakota

• Cooler temperatures
• More affordable housing
• Abundant lakes and rivers
• Lush greenery
• Less population density

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South Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Less diverse communities
• Limited dining options
• Less sunlight
• Quiet nightlife

Arizona

• Mild winters
• Rich cultural diversity
• Renowned restaurants
• Abundant sunlight
• Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Arizona to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to extremely hot summers and hello to cooler temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to South Dakota with more affordable housing
• Swap the limited natural lakes of Arizona for abundant lakes and rivers in South Dakota
• Get ready for lush greenery in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Arizona to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in Arizona to live with harsh winters in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diverse communities
• Time to bid farewell to renowned restaurants and get used to limited dining options in South Dakota
• Swap abundant sunlight for less sunlight

Arizona vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burgers of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Café, and Fry Bread House. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Minervas, Crawford's Bar & Grill, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

When comparing lifestyles, South Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in South Dakota, compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in South Dakota.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and South Dakota

• The Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and outdoor living, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and spacious garages.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Dakota is less walkable than Arizona.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
• South Dakota housing costs are 31% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased 48% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in South Dakota is 37.79% more affordable than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and South Dakota

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 21 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows in South Dakota are 36 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 7.4 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 6% less than in Arizona
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to high in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Arizona and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. South Dakota

• Arizona tends to lean purple with a mix of Democratic and Republican influence in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as mostly Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as Protestant with a strong presence of Evangelical and Mainline denominations
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to South Dakota

How Much Do Arizona to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,287 miles from Arizona to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.