Minnesota to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota

ConsMinnesota

• Cold, harsh winters
• Higher cost of living
• Heavier traffic
• High property taxes

ProsSouth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• Less congestion
• Lower property taxes

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South Dakota

• Fewer cultural events
• Limited dining choices
• Fewer parks
• Less educational ranking

Minnesota

• Wide cultural scene
• Extensive dining options
• Numerous parks
• Renowned education system

Pros of moving from Minnesota to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to cold, harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to South Dakota with a lower cost of living
• Swap the heavier traffic of Minnesota for less congestion in South Dakota
• Get ready for lower property taxes in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Minnesota to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a wide cultural scene in Minnesota to live with fewer cultural events in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of extensive dining options and have to settle for the con of limited dining choices
• Time to bid farewell to numerous parks and get used to fewer parks in South Dakota
• Swap a renowned education system for a lower educational ranking

Minnesota vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Minnesota to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Wild Rice Burger and sumptuous Mini Doughnuts, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Indian Tacos of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Spoon and Stable, Manny's Steakhouse, and Matt's Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Queen City Bakery, and Miner Brewing Co.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and South Dakota

• The Cape Cod and Ranch architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split Foyer architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and waterfront, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Dakota is less walkable than Minnesota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
• South Dakota housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
• Rent in South Dakota is 28.56% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 6% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 15% less than those in Minnesota
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
• 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 Minnesota
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to low in Minnesota
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Minnesota and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. South Dakota

• Minnesota tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservative and Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as Lutheran and Catholic with a smaller range of diversity
• Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Lutheran, Catholic, and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to South Dakota

How Much Do Minnesota to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 491 miles from Minnesota to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.