Illinois to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to South Dakota

ConsIllinois

• High taxes
• Heavy traffic
• High living cost
• Poor air quality

ProsSouth Dakota

• Lower taxes
• Less congestion
• Affordable living
• Clean air

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South Dakota

• Fewer metro attractions
• Limited career options
• Fewer dining choices
• Limited cultural sites

Illinois

• Chicago's attractions
• Wide job market
• Diverse food scene
• Rich cultural venues

Pros of moving from Illinois to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to South Dakota with less congestion
• Swap the high living cost of Illinois for affordable living in South Dakota
• Get ready for clean air in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Illinois to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Chicago's attractions in Illinois to live with fewer metro attractions in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of a wide job market and have to settle with the con of limited career options
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse food scene and get used to fewer dining choices in South Dakota
• Swap rich cultural venues for limited cultural sites

Illinois vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Soup of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Aurelio's Pizza, Portillo's, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Crawford's Bar & Grill, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minerva's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and South Dakota

• The Victorian and Chicago Bungalow architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like fireplaces and large yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• South Dakota housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in South Dakota is 32.01% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 13% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 19 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 9% less than those in Illinois
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high in Illinois
• The poverty level is comparable in South Dakota compared to lower in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Illinois and minimal in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. South Dakota

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-leaning
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a large Protestant majority
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian with significant Catholic and Protestant communities

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to South Dakota

How Much Do Illinois to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 714 miles from Illinois to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.