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Nebraska to South Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 9, 2025

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Planning a 213 mile interstate move from Nebraska to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nebraska vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher taxes vs no state income tax), food & health (like Runza vs Chislic), real estate & housing (ranch vs ranch/craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Runza and Beef steak, but get your taste buds ready for Chislic & Bison steak
  • South Dakota housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Nebraska
  • Rent in South Dakota is 6.76% more affordable than in Nebraska
  • Moving from Nebraska to South Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Nebraska to South Dakota movers is King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Nebraska to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to South Dakota

ConsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Higher taxes
  • Extreme heat in summer
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Flat landscapes
  • High cost of living
ProsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • No state income tax
  • Milder summers
  • Abundant outdoor recreation
  • Diverse geography
  • Lower cost of living

South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Quieter social scene
  • Smaller job market
  • Fewer educational options
  • Limited dining diversity
  • More rural living
Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • More job opportunities
  • Well-known universities
  • Wide variety of restaurants
  • Bustling city life

Pros of moving from Nebraska to South Dakota

  • Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to no state income tax
  • Look forward to moving away from extreme heat in summer and moving to South Dakota with milder summers
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Nebraska for abundant outdoor recreation in South Dakota
  • Get ready for diverse geography in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Nebraska to South Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Nebraska to live with a quieter social scene in South Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of more job opportunities and have to settle with the con of a smaller job market
  • Time to bid farewell to well-known universities and get used to fewer educational options in South Dakota
  • Swap a wide variety of restaurants for limited dining diversity

Nebraska vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemRunzaChislic
Most popular meat dishBeef steakBison steak
Most popular street food itemCorn dogsIndian tacos
Most popular vegan foodBlack bean burgersLentil tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Misty’s Steakhouse & Lounge
    • Lazlo's Brewery & Grill
    • The Drover
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Nebraska to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Runza of Nebraska for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Nebraska rave about their flavorful Beef steak and sumptuous Corn dogs, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison steak and Indian tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black bean burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil tacos of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Nebraska eateries like Misty’s Steakhouse and Lounge, Lazlo's Brewery and Grill, and The Drover. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Grille 26, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minervas.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nebraska and South Dakota

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleRanchRanch/Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, GaragesScenic views, Large lots
  • The Ranch architecture that Nebraska is known for will be replaced with the Ranch/Craftsman architecture typical of South Dakota.
  • Compared to Nebraska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and large lots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Nebraska.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Nebraska.
  • South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Nebraska.
  • South Dakota housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Nebraska, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Nebraska’s $257,167.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 47% increase in Nebraska.
  • Rent in South Dakota is 6.76% more affordable than in Nebraska.

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

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Days of Sunshine per Year223 days213 days
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, severe stormsTornadoes, blizzards
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 63Β°F81Β°F / 59Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F / 13Β°F31Β°F / 10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)28 inches20 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)28 inches39 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Nebraska to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 4% fewer sunshine days than Nebraska.
  • South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Nebraska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Nebraska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 4 degrees colder than in Nebraska.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Nebraska.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Nebraska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Nebraska and South Dakota

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$69,597$69,728
Cost of Living Index90.8594.1
State Income Tax5.58%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.61%1.31%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%4.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, InsuranceAgriculture, Tourism, Finance
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 0% more than those in Nebraska
  • The COLI in South Dakota will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Nebraska
  • Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in Nebraska
  • The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to moderate in Nebraska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Nebraska and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Nebraska vs. South Dakota

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Political Make-upLean ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed urban/rural influencesRural influences predominate
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesPrimarily Christian, with significant Lutheran and Methodist populations
  • Nebraska tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with significant Lutheran and Methodist populations
  • Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Nebraska to South Dakota

ComparisonNebraskaSouth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Creighton University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBrownell Elementary - Omaha
Pyrtle Elementary - Lincoln
Dundee Elementary - Omaha
Challenge Center - Sioux Falls
Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls
Fred Assam Elementary - Sioux Falls
Top 3 Middle SchoolsElkhorn Ridge Middle School - Elkhorn
Scott Middle School - Lincoln
Kiewit Middle School - Omaha
Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls
George S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings
Whittier Middle School - Sioux Falls
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln East High School - Lincoln
Millard North High School - Omaha
Elkhorn South High School - Elkhorn
Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls
Washington High School - Sioux Falls
Roosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Top 3 private high schoolsMount Michael Benedictine School - Elkhorn
Marian High School - Omaha
Brownell Talbot School - Omaha
O'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Roncalli High School - Aberdeen
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBrownell Talbot School - Omaha
Omaha Christian Academy - Omaha
Marian High School - Omaha
Sacred Heart School - Yankton
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Aberdeen Christian School - Aberdeen
Top 3 School DistrictsWestside Community Schools
Elkhorn Public Schools
Millard Public Schools
Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District

How Much Do Nebraska to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 213 miles from Nebraska to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,323300 ft3$4.41
1 Bedroom$1,962450 ft3$4.36
2 Bedrooms$3,233750 ft3$4.31
3 Bedrooms$4,6871100 ft3$4.26
4 Bedrooms$6,7371600 ft3$4.21
5+ Bedrooms$7,4891800 ft3$4.16

Top Nebraska to South Dakota Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Nebraska to South Dakota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha featured image

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Best moving company overall for Nebraska to South Dakota

9.48/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
King's Moving featured image

King's Moving

9.36/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tetris Movers featured image

Tetris Movers

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details

Omaha to South Dakota

Lincoln to South Dakota