South Dakota to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Alabama

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Remote distances
• Limited job opportunities
• Sparse entertainment
• Few restaurants

ProsAlabama

• Mild winters
• More urban areas
• Diverse job market
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Abundant dining options

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Alabama

• Higher living costs
• Busy urban areas
• Humid climate
• Sprawling cities
• Increased traffic

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Quiet lifestyle
• Open landscapes
• Close-knit communities
• Less traffic

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Alabama

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from remote distances and moving to Alabama with more urban areas
• Swap the limited job opportunities of South Dakota for a diverse job market in Alabama
• Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in Alabama

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with higher living costs in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quiet lifestyle and have to settle for the con of busy urban areas
• Time to bid farewell to open landscapes and get used to the humid climate in Alabama
• Swap close-knit communities for sprawling cities

South Dakota vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Alabama. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison Steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Alabama residents know they have tasty Barbecue Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Collard Greens of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Carnaval Brazilian Grill, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw's Soul Kitchen, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Dreamland BBQ.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Alabama

• The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Alabama is less walkable than South Dakota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Alabama is less bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Alabama has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Alabama housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior five years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Alabama is 23.83% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Alabama. Alabama gets 6% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hurricanes in Alabama.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 6 degrees warmer than South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in Alabama are 29 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 30 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 14% less than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Alabama will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to AL, you'll now have a state income tax of 2-5%
• The affluence in Alabama is lower compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
• The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to moderate poverty in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Alabama

• South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a significant evangelical presence
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Alabama

How Much Do South Dakota to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,375 miles from South Dakota to Alabama 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.