California to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to South Dakota

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• High income taxes
• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Long commute times
• Strict regulations
• Frequent wildfires
• Drought restrictions
• Smoggy air days
• Crowded urban areas
• High gas prices
• High sales tax
• Earthquake risk
• Costly car insurance
• Parking scarcity
• Complex permitting

ProsSouth Dakota

• Lower cost of living
• No state income tax
• More affordable homes
• Light traffic
• Shorter commutes
• Business-friendly rules
• Lower wildfire risk
• Fewer water restrictions
• Cleaner air
• Lower population density
• Cheaper gas
• Lower sales tax
• Minimal earthquake risk
• Cheaper car insurance
• Easier parking
• Simpler permitting

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South Dakota

• Harsher winters
• Fewer industries
• Fewer tech opportunities
• Fewer top universities
• Limited public transit
• No ocean access
• Fewer flight options
• Fewer dining options
• Smaller arts scene
• Limited entertainment scene
• Shorter outdoor season
• Shorter growing season
• Fewer national parks
• Smaller professional networks
• Slower innovation pace
• More car dependence

California

• Mild Mediterranean climate
• Diverse job market
• High-paying tech jobs
• World-class universities
• Extensive public transit
• Ocean beaches
• International airports
• Renowned dining scene
• Rich cultural amenities
• Entertainment industry hub
• Year-round outdoor activities
• Fresh produce variety
• Many national parks
• Global connectivity
• Cutting-edge innovation
• High walkability areas

Pros of moving from California to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from high income taxes and moving to South Dakota with no state income tax
• Swap the expensive housing of California for more affordable homes in South Dakota
• Get ready for light traffic in South Dakota

Cons of moving from California to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild Mediterranean climate in California to live with harsher winters in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of fewer industries
• Time to bid farewell to high-paying tech jobs and get used to fewer tech opportunities in South Dakota
• Swap world-class universities for fewer top universities

California vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Fish Tacos, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Bison Berry Pie of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like The Corn Palace, Dempsey's Brewery Pub and Restaurant, and Falls Landing Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and South Dakota

• The Spanish and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and eco-friendly features, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like large land plots and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than California.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than California.
• South Dakota housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased 48% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in South Dakota is 56.34% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 25% fewer sunshine days than California.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as California.
• The average winter lows are 34 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 3 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 24% less than those in California
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 31% lower than what you are used to living in California
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high affluence in California
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate poverty in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is prominent in California and minimal in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. South Dakota

• California tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as largely Christian, with a significant Lutheran and Catholic presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse religious landscape

How Much Do California to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,663 miles from California to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.