Planning a 324 mile interstate move from North Dakota to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Dakota vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Lefse vs Chislic), real estate & housing (ranch-style vs prairie-style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to Lefse and Buffalo steak, but get your taste buds ready
for Chislic & Pheasant
South Dakota housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in North Dakota
Rent in South Dakota is 16.63% more expensive than in North Dakota
Moving from North Dakota to South Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
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North Dakota to South Dakota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Dakota to South Dakota
ConsNorth Dakota
Harsh winters
Limited urban areas
Higher state taxes
Fewer amenities
Remote location
ProsSouth Dakota
Milder winters
Vibrant cities
Lower state taxes
More amenities
Closer to attractions
South Dakota
Frequent storms
Busy areas
Higher crime rates
Tourist congestion
Transient population
North Dakota
Natural beauty
Quiet lifestyle
Low crime rates
Rich history
Strong community
Pros of moving from North Dakota to South Dakota
Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
Look forward to moving away from limited urban areas and moving to South Dakota with vibrant cities
Swap the higher state taxes of North Dakota for lower state taxes in South Dakota
Get ready for more amenities in South Dakota
Cons of moving from North Dakota to South Dakota
Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from natural beauty in North Dakota to live with frequent storms in South Dakota
You'll lose out on the pro of a quiet lifestyle and have to settle with the con of busy areas
Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in South Dakota
Swap rich history for tourist congestion
North Dakota vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison
North Dakota
South Dakota
Most iconic local food item
Lefse
Chislic
Most popular meat dish
Buffalo steak
Pheasant
Most popular street food item
Knoephla soup
Indian taco
Most popular vegan food
Wild rice dishes
Lentil dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Kroll's Diner
HoDo Restaurant
Phillips Avenue Diner
Minervas
Cattleman's Club Steakhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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If you're moving from North Dakota to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Lefse of North Dakota for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in North Dakota rave about their flavorful Buffalo steak and sumptuous Knoephla soup, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild rice dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil dishes of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Dakota eateries like Pitchfork Steak Fondue, Kroll's Diner, and HoDo Restaurant. 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 Cattleman's Club Steakhouse.
When comparing lifestyles, South Dakota shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Dakota. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in South Dakota, compared to what you are used to in North Dakota. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in South Dakota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Dakota and South Dakota
The Ranch-style architecture that North Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Prairie-style architecture typical of South Dakota.
Compared to North Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garage space, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like views and natural light.
Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; South Dakota is more walkable than North Dakota.
Make sure the movers take care of your bike; South Dakota is more bike-friendly than North Dakota.
South Dakota has more of an urban feel than North Dakota.
South Dakota housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in North Dakota, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to North Dakotaβs $253,395.
Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased 48% compared to an 18% increase in North Dakota.
Rent in South Dakota is 16.63% more expensive than in North Dakota.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Dakota and South Dakota
Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Dakota to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 7% more sunshine days than North Dakota.
South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Dakota.
Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in North Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota.
The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 2 degrees warmer than in North Dakota.
The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in North Dakota.
Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 3 more inches of rain compared to North Dakota.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Dakota and South Dakota
Comparison
North Dakota
South Dakota
Avg. Household Income
$71,970
$69,728
Cost of Living Index
95.3
94.1
State Income Tax
2.32%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
1.08%
1.22%
Avg. Sales Tax
6.85%
6.40%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Oil, Technology
Agriculture, Tourism, Finance
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Low
Homelessness
Minimal
Minimal
When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 3% less than those in North Dakota
The COLI in South Dakota will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in North Dakota
Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in North Dakota
The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to low in North Dakota
In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in North Dakota and minimal in South Dakota
Political and Religious Climate in North Dakota vs. South Dakota
Comparison
North Dakota
South Dakota
Political Make-up
Generally considered conservative
Leans conservative
Local Politics
Republican dominance in state government
Republican dominance in state government
Religion
Christian majority, with a significant Lutheran presence
Primarily Christian, with sizable Lutheran and Catholic communities
North Dakota tends to lean generally considered conservative in its political climate
South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning conservative
South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with sizable Lutheran and Catholic communities
North Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a significant Lutheran presence
How Much Do North Dakota to South Dakota Movers Cost?
Moving 324 miles from North Dakota to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Midwest Moving Company
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