North Carolina to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to South Dakota

ConsNorth Carolina

• Humid summers
• Hurricane risk
• Higher cost of living
• Urban congestion

ProsSouth Dakota

• Cooler climate
• Minimal natural disasters
• Affordable living
• Less crowded

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South Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Fewer cultural events
• No ocean coast
• Fewer urban amenities

North Carolina

• Mild winters
• Rich cultural history
• Beach access
• Variety of amenities

Pros of moving from North Carolina to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to a cooler climate
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to South Dakota with minimal natural disasters
• Swap the higher cost of living in North Carolina for affordable living in South Dakota
• Get ready for less crowded spaces in South Dakota

Cons of moving from North Carolina to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in North Carolina to live with harsh winters in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural history and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
• Time to bid farewell to beach access and get used to no ocean coast in South Dakota
• Swap a variety of amenities for fewer urban amenities

North Carolina vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from North Carolina to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Shrimp Burgers, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kolaches of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Acme Food and Beverage, and Lexington Barbecue. 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, Carnaval Brazilian Grill, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and granite countertops, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious garages and natural views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Dakota is more walkable than North Carolina.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. South Dakota is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
• South Dakota housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
• Rent in South Dakota is 31.27% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 1% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 2 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 30 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 3% more than those in North Carolina
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
• 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 North Carolina
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. South Dakota

• North Carolina tends to lean moderately Conservative/Competitive in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Conservative
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with less religious diversity
• North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to South Dakota

How Much Do North Carolina to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,525 miles from North Carolina to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.