Iowa to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to South Dakota

ConsIowa

• Severe weather
• Higher taxes
• Dense population
• Rural isolation

ProsSouth Dakota

• Better weather
• No state income tax
• Less crowded
• Friendly communities

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South Dakota

• Limited diversity
• Fewer universities
• Fewer job opportunities

Iowa

• Cultural diversity
• Renowned universities
• Varied job market

Pros of moving from Iowa to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to severe weather and hello to better weather
• Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to South Dakota with no state income tax
• Swap the dense population of Iowa for a less crowded environment in South Dakota
• Get ready for friendly communities in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Iowa to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Iowa to live with limited diversity in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of renowned universities and have to settle for the con of fewer universities
• Time to bid farewell to a varied job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in South Dakota

Iowa vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, 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 Wild Rice Dish of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Zombie Burger, and Fong's Pizza. 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, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Cattleman's Club Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and South Dakota

• The Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Prairie architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference energy-efficient features and large yards, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious garages and outdoor spaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Iowa.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
• South Dakota housing costs are 40% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in South Dakota is 10.17% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 4% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is degrees, the same as Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 0% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to average in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Iowa and very minimal in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. South Dakota

• Iowa tends to lean slightly Republican in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to South Dakota

How Much Do Iowa to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 465 miles from Iowa to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.