Movers

South Dakota to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 9, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 971 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (ranch, split-level vs craftsman, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in South Dakota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Bison steak, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Arkansas BBQ Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Arkansas is 10.55% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

South Dakota to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Arkansas

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Rural isolation
  • Few entertainment options
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder climate
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Vibrant communities
  • Rich cultural scene

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Heat and humidity
  • More crowded
  • Higher cost of living
  • Hurricane threats
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Natural beauty
  • Low crime rates
  • Small-town charm
  • Peaceful lifestyle

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Arkansas with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the rural isolation of South Dakota for vibrant communities in Arkansas
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Arkansas

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in South Dakota to live with the heat and humidity in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of low crime rates and have to settle for the con of more crowded areas
  • Time to bid farewell to small-town charm and get used to a higher cost of living in Arkansas
  • Swap a peaceful lifestyle for hurricane threats

South Dakota vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemChislicFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishBison steakArkansas BBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BowlBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants
  • The Corn Exchange
  • 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 South Dakota to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Arkansas BBQ Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like The Corn Exchange, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Southern Gourmasian, and Cheers in Fayetteville.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Arkansas

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Split-levelCraftsman, Colonial
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 listingGarage, Family-friendlyLarge yards, Proximity to nature
  • The Ranch and Split-level architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference garage and family-friendly features, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arkansas is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arkansas is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Arkansas has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 10.55% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/60Β°F92Β°F/72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F/10Β°F50Β°F/30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-30"40-60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-40"5-20"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 4% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 7 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Arkansas are 20 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Arkansas

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$69,728$55,432
Cost of Living Index94.190.5
State Income Tax0%2-5.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.32%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%6.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TourismRetail, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 21% less than in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 4% lower than what you are used to in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from SD to AR, you will now have a state income tax of 2-5.5%
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arkansas compared to low poverty in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in South Dakota and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Arkansas

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Republican
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, moderate in urban areas like Sioux FallsMixed, with conservative rural areas and somewhat liberal urban centers like Little Rock
ReligionProtestant majority, followed by CatholicProtestant majority, particularly Baptist, followed by Methodist and Catholic
  • South Dakota tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority, particularly Baptist, followed by Methodist and Catholic
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority, followed by Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Arkansas

ComparisonSouth DakotaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center - Sioux Falls
Buchanan Elementary - Pierre
Discovery Elementary - Sioux Falls
Baker Interdistrict Elementary School - Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary School - Fayetteville
Forest Park Elementary - Little Rock
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPatrick Henry Middle School - Sioux Falls
Yankton Middle School - Yankton
George S. Mickelson Middle School - Brookings
Lisa Academy West Middle Charter - Little Rock
McNair Middle School - Fayetteville
Bentonville West Middle School - Bentonville
Top 3 High School SchoolsLincoln High School - Sioux Falls
Roosevelt High School - Sioux Falls
Washington High School - Sioux Falls
Haas Hall Academy - Bentonville
Bentonville High School - Bentonville
Fayetteville High School - Fayetteville
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School - Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Roncalli High School - Aberdeen
Pulaski Academy - Little Rock
Episcopal Collegiate School - Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School - Springdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools - Sioux Falls
Great Plains Lutheran High School - Watertown
Aberdeen Christian School - Aberdeen
The Anthony School - Little Rock
Subiaco Academy - Subiaco
Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy - Bentonville
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Brookings School District
Watertown School District
Fayetteville School District
Bentonville School District
Rogers School District

How Much Do South Dakota to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 971 miles from South Dakota to Arkansas 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,753300 ft3$5.84
1 Bedroom$2,607450 ft3$5.79
2 Bedrooms$4,307750 ft3$5.74
3 Bedrooms$6,2631100 ft3$5.69
4 Bedrooms$9,0291600 ft3$5.64
5+ Bedrooms$10,0681800 ft3$5.59

Top South Dakota to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.92/10
Top South Dakota to Arkansas Routes

Sioux Falls to Arkansas