New Jersey to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to South Dakota

ConsNew Jersey

• High cost of living
• Dense traffic
• Lack of open space
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Heavy taxes

ProsSouth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Ample nature access
• Relaxed pace
• Lower taxes

---

South Dakota

• Less diverse
• Limited dining options
• Few public transport options
• Remote location
• Quiet evenings

New Jersey

• Cultural diversity
• Variety of cuisines
• Abundant public transit
• Proximity to major cities
• Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from New Jersey to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to South Dakota with less congestion
• Swap the lack of open space in New Jersey for ample nature access in South Dakota
• Get ready for a relaxed pace in South Dakota

Cons of moving from New Jersey to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in New Jersey to live with less diversity in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of a variety of cuisines and have to settle for the con of limited dining options
• Time to bid farewell to abundant public transit and get used to few public transport options in South Dakota
• Swap proximity to major cities for a remote location

New Jersey vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Jersey to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Wild Rice Soup of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, White House Subs, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Crawford Brewing, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Local SD Eateries.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and South Dakota

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and hardwood floors, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor space and large garages.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than New Jersey.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
• South Dakota housing costs are 42% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
• Rent in South Dakota is 51.44% more affordable than in New Jersey.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from New Jersey to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 10% more sunshine days than New Jersey.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is the same as in New Jersey.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 27 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 28% less than those in New Jersey
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
• The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to low in New Jersey
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. South Dakota

• New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as Protestant and Catholic
• New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic and Jewish

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to South Dakota

How Much Do New Jersey to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,547 miles from New Jersey 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.