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Oregon to South Dakota Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 1,419 mile interstate move from Oregon to South Dakota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs South Dakota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Dungeness Crab vs Chislic), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs ranch, split-level), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Dungeness Crab and Portland Pork Tenderloin, but get your taste buds ready for Chislic & Bison Burgers
  • South Dakota housing costs are 40% less expensive than those in Oregon
  • Rent in South Dakota is 32.57% more affordable than in Oregon
  • Moving from Oregon to South Dakota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Oregon to South Dakota movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

Oregon to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to South Dakota

ConsOregon iconOregon
  • High cost of living
  • Rainy weather
  • Earthquake risk
  • Heavy traffic
ProsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Affordable housing
  • More sunshine
  • Low natural disaster risk
  • Less congestion

South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Landlocked state
  • Fewer local wineries
  • Harsh winters
Oregon iconOregon
  • Diverse culture
  • Access to coast
  • Abundant wineries
  • Mild climate

Pros of moving from Oregon to South Dakota

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from rainy weather and moving to South Dakota with more sunshine
  • Swap the earthquake risk of Oregon for the low natural disaster risk in South Dakota
  • Get ready for less congestion in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Oregon to South Dakota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse culture in Oregon to live with less cultural diversity in South Dakota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of access to the coast and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
  • Time to bid farewell to the abundant wineries and get used to fewer local wineries in South Dakota
  • Swap the mild climate for harsh winters

Oregon vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOregonSouth Dakota
Most iconic local food itemDungeness CrabChislic
Most popular meat dishPortland Pork TenderloinBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemVoodoo DoughnutsFrybread Tacos
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pok Pok
  • Screen Door
  • Le Pigeon
  • Carnaval Brazilian Grill
  • Minervas
  • JL Beers
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 Oregon to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Dungeness Crab of Oregon for the equally delicious Chislic of South Dakota. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Portland Pork Tenderloin and sumptuous Voodoo Doughnuts, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Frybread Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble 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 Oregon eateries like Pok Pok, Screen Door, and Le Pigeon. 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, Minervas, and JL Beers.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and South Dakota

ComparisonOregonSouth Dakota
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, 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 listingEco-friendly features, Proximity to natureSpacious lots, Family-friendly communities
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of South Dakota.
  • Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and proximity to nature, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and family-friendly communities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Oregon.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
  • South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Oregon.
  • South Dakota housing costs are 40% less expensive than those in Oregon, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Oregon's $497,946.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
  • Rent in South Dakota is 32.57% more affordable than in Oregon.

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

ComparisonOregonSouth 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 DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVaries seasonally
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)68-85 / 49-5485-90 / 60-65
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)46-49 / 35-3730-40 / 10-20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)27-4619-25
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3-1130-60
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 48% more sunshine days than Oregon.
  • South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 17 degrees warmer than in Oregon.
  • The average winter lows in South Dakota are 25 degrees colder than they are in Oregon.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and South Dakota

ComparisonOregonSouth Dakota
Avg. Household Income$75,657$69,728
Cost of Living Index110.5594.1
State Income Tax9%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.1%1.3%
Avg. Sales Tax0%4.5%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Forestry, AgricultureAgriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 8% less than in Oregon
  • The COLI in South Dakota is 15% lower than what you are used to living in Oregon
  • Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in South Dakota is moderate compared to moderate in Oregon
  • The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate in Oregon
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Oregon and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. South Dakota

ComparisonOregonSouth Dakota
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centersRural, conservative governance
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation, notably Christian
  • Oregon tends to lean Liberal/Democratic 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 having a higher religious affiliation, notably Christian
  • Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to South Dakota

ComparisonOregonSouth Dakota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAinsworth Elementary (Portland)
Bethany Elementary (Portland)
Forest Park Elementary (Portland)
Challenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Fred Assam Elementary (Sioux Falls)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsStoller Middle School (Portland)
Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego)
Cedar Park Middle School (Portland)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Edison Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Whittier Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln High School (Portland)
Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego)
Corvallis High School (Corvallis)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Top 3 private high schoolsCatlin Gabel School (Portland)
OES (Portland)
St. Mary's Academy (Portland)
O'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCatlin Gabel School (Portland)
OES (Portland)
Delphian School (Sheridan)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
Roncalli Catholic Schools (Aberdeen)
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Oswego School District
Portland Public Schools
West Linn-Wilsonville School District
Sioux Falls School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandon Valley School District

How Much Do Oregon to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,419 miles from Oregon to South Dakota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,007300 ft3$6.69
1 Bedroom$2,988450 ft3$6.64
2 Bedrooms$4,942750 ft3$6.59
3 Bedrooms$7,1941100 ft3$6.54
4 Bedrooms$10,3841600 ft3$6.49
5+ Bedrooms$11,5921800 ft3$6.44

Top Oregon to South Dakota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Oregon to South Dakota

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Northwest Grace Moving featured image

Northwest Grace Moving

9.31/10
ExceptionalView details
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