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

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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

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 Dakota’s $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

• 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

• 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.