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New Mexico to South Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 884 mile interstate move from New Mexico to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Mexico vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like arid climate vs milder summers), food & health (like Green Chile vs Chislic), real estate & housing (pueblo revival vs queen anne), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Green Chile and Carne Adovada, but get your taste buds ready for Chislic & Pheasant
  • South Dakota housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in New Mexico
  • Rent in South Dakota is 12.61% more affordable than in New Mexico
  • Moving from New Mexico to South Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended New Mexico to South Dakota movers is JP Moving

New Mexico to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to South Dakota

ConsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Arid climate
  • Limited water supply
  • High crime rates
  • Sparse vegetation
  • Higher cost of living
ProsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Milder summers
  • Abundant lakes
  • Lower crime rates
  • Lush landscapes
  • Affordable housing

South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Colder winters
  • Limited dining options
  • Flat terrains
  • Fewer art galleries
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Rich culture
  • Endless sunshine
  • Unique cuisine
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Vibrant arts scene

Pros of moving from New Mexico to South Dakota

  • Say goodbye to arid climate and hello to milder summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited water supply and moving to South Dakota with abundant lakes
  • Swap the high crime rates of New Mexico for lower crime rates in South Dakota
  • Get ready for lush landscapes in South Dakota

Cons of moving from New Mexico to South Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich culture in New Mexico to live with fewer cultural venues in South Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of endless sunshine and have to settle for the con of colder winters
  • Time to bid farewell to unique cuisine and get used to limited dining options in South Dakota
  • Swap diverse landscapes for flat terrains

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

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileChislic
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaPheasant
Most popular street food itemTacosIndian Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBlue Corn EnchiladasWild Rice Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • El Modelo Mexican Foods
    • Frontier Restaurant
    • Sadie's of New Mexico
    • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
    • Phillips Avenue Diner
    • Minervas
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 New Mexico to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Tacos, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blue Corn Enchiladas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Bowl of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like El Modelo Mexican Foods, Frontier Restaurant, and Sadie's of New Mexico. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Carnaval Brazilian Grill, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Minervas.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and South Dakota

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalQueen Anne
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 listingMountain views, open spacesCommunity feel, outdoor activities
  • The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Queen Anne architecture typical of South Dakota.
  • Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and open spaces, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like a community feel and outdoor activities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. South Dakota is more walkable than New Mexico.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than New Mexico.
  • South Dakota has less of an urban feel than New Mexico.
  • South Dakota housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
  • Rent in South Dakota is 12.61% more affordable than in New Mexico.

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

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 64Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 23Β°F26Β°F / 6Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13.920.1
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2339
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 24% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
  • South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in New Mexico, 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 7 degrees colder than in New Mexico.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees colder than they are in New Mexico.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 6.2 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and South Dakota

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$59,726$69,728
Cost of Living Index96.4594.1
State Income Tax1.7 - 4.90
Avg. Property Tax0.78%1.32%
Avg. Sales Tax7.83%4.5%
Top 3 IndustriesOil & Gas, Tourism, AgricultureAgriculture, Tourism, Finance
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighLow
HomelessnessChallengingManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 17% more than in New Mexico
  • The COLI in South Dakota will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in New Mexico
  • 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 New Mexico
  • The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to high poverty in New Mexico
  • In terms of homelessness, it is challenging in New Mexico and manageable in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. South Dakota

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasConservative across most regions
ReligionCatholic, ProtestantLutheran, Catholic
  • New Mexico 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 Lutheran and Catholic
  • New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic and Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to South Dakota

ComparisonNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Tech
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe)
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque)
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary (Albuquerque)
Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDesert Ridge Middle (Albuquerque)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle (Roswell)
Mountain View Middle (Rio Rancho)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Top 3 High School SchoolsLa Cueva High (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science
Early College Academy (Albuquerque)
Lincoln High (Sioux Falls)
Washington High (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High (Sioux Falls)
Top 3 private high schoolsAlbuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Preparatory School (Santa Fe)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBosque School (Albuquerque)
The Menaul School (Albuquerque)
Desert Academy (Santa Fe)
No significant private K-12 schools match
Top 3 School DistrictsLos Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Farmington Municipal Schools
Sioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Harrisburg School District

How Much Do New Mexico to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 884 miles from New Mexico to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,704300 ft3$5.68
1 Bedroom$2,533450 ft3$5.63
2 Bedrooms$4,184750 ft3$5.58
3 Bedrooms$6,0821100 ft3$5.53
4 Bedrooms$8,7661600 ft3$5.48
5+ Bedrooms$9,7721800 ft3$5.43

Top New Mexico to South Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

Best moving company overall for New Mexico to South Dakota

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.92/10
Top New Mexico to South Dakota Routes

Albuquerque to South Dakota