Massachusetts to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to South Dakota

ConsMassachusetts

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Dense population
• Expensive housing

ProsSouth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• Less congestion
• Sparse living areas
• Affordable housing

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South Dakota

• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer urban amenities
• Limited historical landmarks
• Fewer job opportunities
• Limited public transport

Massachusetts

• Diverse culture
• Big city amenities
• Rich history
• Thriving job market
• Public transport

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to South Dakota with a lower cost of living
• Swap the heavy traffic of Massachusetts for less congestion in South Dakota
• Get ready for sparse living areas in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse culture in Massachusetts to live with less cultural diversity in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of big city amenities and have to settle for the con of fewer urban amenities
• Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to limited historical landmarks in South Dakota
• Swap a thriving job market for fewer job opportunities

Massachusetts vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Codfish Balls, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Clam Chowder they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Sioux Indian Tacos of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Neptune Oyster, Woodman's of Essex, and Union Oyster 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, and Look's Marketplace.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split Foyer architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference access to public transit and historic details, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Dakota is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• South Dakota housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in South Dakota is 53.11% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 10% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 26% less than those in Massachusetts
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 23% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to low in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Massachusetts and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. South Dakota

• Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as having a higher Christian affiliation
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having less religious diversity

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to South Dakota

How Much Do Massachusetts to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,707 miles from Massachusetts to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.