Movers

Oklahoma to South Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 746 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs cooler weather), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Chislic), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs split-level and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and Barbecue brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Chislic & Pheasant
  • South Dakota housing costs are 47% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in South Dakota is 6.26% more affordable than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to South Dakota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to South Dakota movers is Serenity Moving Services

Oklahoma to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to South Dakota

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Hot summers
  • Tornado risk
  • Limited winter activities
  • High sales tax
ProsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Cooler weather
  • Lower natural disasters
  • Plentiful ski resorts
  • No state income tax

South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Harsher winters
  • Higher living costs
  • Less culinary diversity
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Music festivals
  • Wide open spaces
  • Low living costs
  • Diverse cuisine

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to South Dakota

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to cooler weather
  • Look forward to moving away from tornado risk and moving to South Dakota with lower natural disasters
  • Swap the limited winter activities of Oklahoma for plentiful ski resorts in South Dakota
  • Get ready for no state income tax in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to South Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from music festivals in Oklahoma to live with fewer cultural events in South Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of wide open spaces and have to settle for the con of harsher winters
  • Time to bid farewell to low living costs and get used to higher living costs in South Dakota
  • Swap diverse cuisine for less culinary diversity

Oklahoma vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaSouth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemChicken Fried SteakChislic
Most popular meat dishBarbecue brisketPheasant
Most popular street food itemFrybread tacosIndian tacos
Most popular vegan foodOkra gumboKnoephla soup (vegan version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Eischen's Bar
  • Joe's BBQ
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Mad Mary's Steakhouse
  • Look's Marketplace
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 Oklahoma to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Brisket and sumptuous Frybread Tacos, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Knoephla Soup (vegan version) of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Joe's BBQ. 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, Mad Mary's Steakhouse, and Look's Marketplace.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and South Dakota

ComparisonOklahomaSouth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanSplit-level and Ranch
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 listingLarge yards, open floor plansProximity to parks, energy efficiency
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Split-level and Ranch architecture typical of South Dakota.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and open floor plans, South Dakota's real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to parks and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Oklahoma.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • South Dakota housing costs are 47% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in South Dakota is 6.26% more affordable than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaSouth 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 DisastersTornadoes, HailBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F26Β°F / 6Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3620
Annual Snowfall (Inches)939
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • South Dakota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in South Dakota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 9 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows in South Dakota are 24 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 16 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and South Dakota

ComparisonOklahomaSouth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$59,673$69,728
Cost of Living Index90.194.1
State Income Tax5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.90%1.31%
Avg. Sales Tax8.95%4.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Energy, AerospaceAgriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowVery Low
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 17% more than those in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in South Dakota will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in South Dakota is high compared to moderate affluence in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate poverty in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and very low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. South Dakota

ComparisonOklahomaSouth Dakota
Political Make-upConservative/RepublicanConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsLocal governments may vary, with a mix of conservative and moderate leadershipLocal governments tend to lean conservative, but there's a notable interest in issues like conservation and local business development
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant evangelical presencePrimarily Christian, with strong Lutheran and Catholic communities
  • Oklahoma tends to lean Conservative/Republican in its political climate
  • South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
  • South Dakota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with strong Lutheran and Catholic communities
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to South Dakota

ComparisonOklahomaSouth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChisholm Elementary - Edmond
Russell Dougherty Elementary - Edmond
Wayland Bonds Elementary - Oklahoma City
Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls
Rosa Parks Elementary - Sioux Falls
Challenge Center - Sioux Falls
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School - Norman
Sequoyah Middle School - Edmond
Central Middle School - Edmond
George S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings
Patrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls
Edison Middle School - Sioux Falls
Top 3 High SchoolsEdmond North High School - Edmond
Norman North High School - Norman
Jenks High School - Jenks
Roosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Lincoln High School - Sioux Falls
O'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Top 3 private high schoolsBishop McGuinness Catholic High School - Oklahoma City
Cascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa
Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City
O'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Crossings Christian School - Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Christian School - Edmond
SF Christian School - Sioux Falls
Aberdeen Christian School - Aberdeen
Mitchell Christian School - Mitchell
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools
Sioux Falls School District
Brookings School District
Rapid City Area Schools

How Much Do Oklahoma to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 746 miles from Oklahoma 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Serenity Moving Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,625300 ft3$5.42
1 Bedroom$2,416450 ft3$5.37
2 Bedrooms$3,989750 ft3$5.32
3 Bedrooms$5,7951100 ft3$5.27
4 Bedrooms$8,3491600 ft3$5.22
5+ Bedrooms$9,3021800 ft3$5.17

Top Oklahoma to South Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to South Dakota

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Sneedworks featured image

Sneedworks

9.05/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10

Oklahoma City to South Dakota

Tulsa to South Dakota