Rhode Island to South Dakota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota

ConsRhode Island

• High housing costs
• Heavy traffic
• Overcrowded beaches
• Humidity in summer
• Limited land space

ProsSouth Dakota

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Spacious parks
• Milder weather
• Wide open spaces

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South Dakota

• No ocean access
• Fewer historical sites
• Harsh winters
• Fewer cultural events
• Rural setting

Rhode Island

• Coastal beauty
• Rich history
• Seasonal variety
• Cultural attractions
• Proximity to NYC/Boston

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota

• Say goodbye to high housing costs and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to South Dakota with less congestion
• Swap the overcrowded beaches of Rhode Island for spacious parks in South Dakota
• Get ready for milder weather in South Dakota

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal beauty in Rhode Island to live with no ocean access in South Dakota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
• Time to bid farewell to seasonal variety and get used to harsh winters in South Dakota
• Swap cultural attractions for fewer cultural events

Rhode Island vs. South Dakota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies (stuffed clams) of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Chislic (cubed meat) of South Dakota. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Weiners, South Dakota residents know they have tasty Pheasant and Indian Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Stir Fry they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit BBQ of South Dakota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Rhode Island eateries like Al Forno, Los Andes, and The Duck and Bunny. After the boxes are unpacked in South Dakota, don't wait too long before making your way to South Dakota's acclaimed eateries like Camino Real 3, Phillips Avenue Diner, and Mad Mary's Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and South Dakota

• The Colonial architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of South Dakota.
• Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and historic charm, South Dakota real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lands and nature views.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; South Dakota is less walkable than Rhode Island.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; South Dakota is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
• South Dakota has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
• South Dakota's housing costs are 34% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $299,062 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in South Dakota have increased by 48% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
• Rent in South Dakota is 42.81% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to South Dakota. South Dakota gets 5% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
• South Dakota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota.
• The average summer high temperature in South Dakota is 3 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Rhode Island.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in South Dakota. South Dakota receives 27 fewer inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and South Dakota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in South Dakota tend to earn about 15% less than in Rhode Island
• The COLI in South Dakota will be 24% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
• Hooray, moving to SD means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in South Dakota is modest compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
• The poverty level is low in South Dakota compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Rhode Island and low in South Dakota

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. South Dakota

• Rhode Island tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• South Dakota, on the other hand, is often described as largely Republican
• South Dakota's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority
• Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Catholic majority

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to South Dakota

How Much Do Rhode Island to South Dakota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,686 miles from Rhode Island 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.