Montana to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to South Dakota

ConsMontana

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Remote feeling
• Limited job market

ProsSouth Dakota

• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• More amenities
• Diversified economy

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South Dakota

• Fewer mountain views
• Less varied terrain
• Less cultural variety
• More urban sprawl

Montana

• Beautiful landscapes
• Outdoor activities
• Rich history
• Small town charm

Pros of moving from Montana 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 remote feeling of Montana for more amenities in South Dakota
• Get ready for a diversified economy in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Montana to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in Montana to live with fewer mountain views in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of less varied terrain
• Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to less cultural variety in South Dakota
• Swap small-town charm for more urban sprawl

Montana vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Montana to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Huckleberry Pie of Montana for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Elk burgers, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice and Mushroom pilaf they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil stew of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like 2nd Street Bistro, Cattlemen's Cut Supper Club, and Uptown Cafe. 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, Minervas, and Queen City Bakery.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and South Dakota

• The Rustic and Mountain architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Suburban and Ranch architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly amenities and affordability.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Dakota is more walkable than Montana.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Dakota is more bike-friendly than Montana.
• South Dakota has more of an urban feel than Montana.
• South Dakota housing costs are 34% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
• Rent in South Dakota is 15.53% more affordable than in Montana.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Montana to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 13% more sunshine days than Montana.
• South Dakota has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 3 degrees warmer than in Montana.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 3% more than those in Montana
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Montana
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Montana
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to low in Montana
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Montana and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. South Dakota

• Montana tends to lean mixed and leans 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 Christianity with strongholds of Evangelical and Catholic faiths
• Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a diverse range of practices

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to South Dakota

How Much Do Montana to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 661 miles from Montana 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.