Michigan to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to South Dakota

ConsMichigan

• Cold, snowy winters
• Dense traffic
• Higher taxes
• Urban sprawl

ProsSouth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Less traffic congestion
• No state income tax
• Scenic landscapes

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South Dakota

• Fewer cultural events
• Fewer restaurant choices
• Landlocked state
• Less diversity

Michigan

• Vibrant arts scene
• Varied dining options
• Great lakes access
• Diverse population

Pros of moving from Michigan to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to cold, snowy winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to South Dakota with less traffic congestion
• Swap the higher taxes of Michigan for no state income tax in South Dakota
• Get ready for scenic landscapes in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Michigan to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant arts scene in Michigan to live with fewer cultural events in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of varied dining options and have to settle for the con of fewer restaurant choices
• Time to bid farewell to great lakes access and get used to a landlocked state in South Dakota
• Swap a diverse population for less diversity

Michigan vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Detroit-style Pizza, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit BBQ of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and American Coney Island. 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 Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in South Dakota compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in South Dakota.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split Foyer architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded lots, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious land and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike because South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• South Dakota housing costs are 25% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in South Dakota is 17.93% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 25% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 4 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 12.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 4% more than those in Michigan
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is modest compared to moderate affluence in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate poverty in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Michigan and minimal in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. South Dakota

• Michigan tends to lean swing state 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 predominantly Christian
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian, but diverse

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to South Dakota

How Much Do Michigan to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 817 miles from Michigan to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.