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Ohio to South Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 1,050 mile interstate move from Ohio to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high population density vs low population density), food & health (like Buckeye Candy vs Chislic), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Buckeye Candy and Cincinnati Chili, but get your taste buds ready for Chislic & Pheasant
  • South Dakota housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in South Dakota is 17.76% more affordable than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to South Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Ohio to South Dakota movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Ohio to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to South Dakota

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • High population density
  • Traffic congestion
  • Expensive housing
  • Humid summers
ProsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Low population density
  • Smoother commute
  • Affordable housing
  • Fresher air

South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Slower pace
  • Fewer jobs
  • Fewer historical sites
Ohio iconOhio
  • Diverse culture
  • Vibrant city life
  • Wide job opportunities
  • Rich history

Pros of moving from Ohio to South Dakota

  • Say goodbye to high population density and hello to low population density
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to South Dakota with smoother commutes
  • Swap the expensive housing of Ohio for affordable housing in South Dakota
  • Get ready for fresher air in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Ohio to South Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse culture in Ohio to live with less cultural diversity in South Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant city life and have to settle for the con of a slower pace
  • Time to bid farewell to wide job opportunities and get used to fewer jobs in South Dakota
  • Swap the rich history for fewer historical sites

Ohio vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioSouth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye CandyChislic
Most popular meat dishCincinnati ChiliPheasant
Most popular street food itemPolish BoyIndian Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skyline Chili
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Melt Bar and Grilled
  • Cattleman's Steakhouse
  • Minervas
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
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 Ohio to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Ohio for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati Chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Skyline Chili, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and Melt Bar and Grilled. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Cattleman's Steakhouse, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and South Dakota

ComparisonOhioSouth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchRanch, Split-level
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, proximity to schoolsScenic views, quiet neighborhoods
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to schools, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and quiet neighborhoods.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. South Dakota is less walkable than Ohio.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • South Dakota housing costs are 34% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in South Dakota is 17.76% more affordable than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioSouth 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 DisastersTornados, FloodsBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F / 19Β°F30Β°F / 10Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)39"20"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)28"44"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 21% more sunshine days than Ohio.
  • South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in South Dakota.
  • The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 2 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 19 fewer inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and South Dakota

ComparisonOhioSouth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$65,720$69,728
Cost of Living Index92.8594.1
State Income TaxUp to 4.8%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.51%1.22%
Avg. Sales Tax7.17%4.50%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailFinance, Agriculture, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 6% more than those in Ohio
  • The COLI in South Dakota will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • 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 Ohio
  • The poverty level is moderate in South Dakota compared to moderate in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Ohio and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. South Dakota

ComparisonOhioSouth Dakota
Political Make-upSwing state, mix of Republican and Democrat votersStrongly Republican in federal elections
Local PoliticsMixture of both parties with significant urban vs. rural divideRepublican dominance with some Democratic presence in urban areas
ReligionChristian majority, with diverse religious representationChristian majority, notably Protestant
  • Ohio tends to lean as a swing state, with a mix of Republican and Democrat voters in its political climate
  • South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican in federal elections
  • South Dakota's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, notably Protestant
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with diverse religious representation

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to South Dakota

ComparisonOhioSouth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)The Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Miami University
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsIndian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati; Granville Elementary
Granville; Oakwood Elementary
Dayton
Challenge Center
Sioux Falls; Discovery Elementary
Sioux Falls; Harvey Dunn Elementary
Sioux Falls
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley; Hudson Middle School
Hudson; Mason Middle School
Mason
George S. Mickelson Middle School
Brookings; Patrick Henry Middle School
Sioux Falls; Whittier Middle School
Sioux Falls
Top 3 High SchoolsOttawa Hills High School
Ottawa Hills; Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati; Bexley High School
Bexley
Roosevelt High School
Sioux Falls; Lincoln High School
Sioux Falls; Brookings High School
Brookings
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills; University School
Hunting Valley; The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
O'Gorman High School
Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls Christian Schools
Sioux Falls; Roncalli High School
Aberdeen
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Columbus Academy
Gahanna; Western Reserve Academy
Hudson; Cincinnati Country Day School
Cincinnati
Sacred Heart School
Yankton; Great Plains Lutheran High School
Watertown; Aberdeen Christian School
Aberdeen
Top 3 School DistrictsSolon City School District
Solon; Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati; Oakwood City School District
Dayton
Brandon Valley School District
Brandon; Harrisburg School District
Harrisburg; Sioux Falls School District
Sioux Falls

How Much Do Ohio to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,050 miles from Ohio to South Dakota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,798300 ft3$5.99
1 Bedroom$2,674450 ft3$5.94
2 Bedrooms$4,419750 ft3$5.89
3 Bedrooms$6,4271100 ft3$5.84
4 Bedrooms$9,2681600 ft3$5.79
5+ Bedrooms$10,3371800 ft3$5.74

Top Ohio to South Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to South Dakota

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Eyring Movers featured image

Eyring Movers

9.53/10
ExceptionalView details

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