South Dakota to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Arizona

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Low cultural diversity
• Rural isolation
• Remote healthcare

ProsArizona

• Mild winters
• Growing job opportunities
• High cultural diversity
• Urban conveniences
• Advanced healthcare facilities

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Arizona

• Fast-paced city life
• Higher living costs
• Less community focus
• Desert heat
• Fluctuating housing prices

South Dakota

• Peaceful rural life
• Low cost of living
• Community-focused
• Beautiful landscapes
• Stable housing market

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Arizona

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Arizona with growing job opportunities
• Swap the low cultural diversity of South Dakota for high cultural diversity in Arizona
• Get ready for urban conveniences in Arizona

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Arizona

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a peaceful rural life in South Dakota to live with a fast-paced city life in Arizona
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher living costs
• Time to bid farewell to community-focused living and get used to less community focus in Arizona
• Swap beautiful landscapes for desert heat

South Dakota vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Fried dough, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, Minervas, and Phillips Avenue Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Café, and FnB.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Arizona

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and patios.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Arizona is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Arizona is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• Arizona has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• Arizona housing costs are 44% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased 63% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in Arizona is 60.76% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to Arizona. Arizona gets 40% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
• Arizona has lower 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 heatwaves and floods in Arizona.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 19 degrees warmer than in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows are 34 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Arizona

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 7% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in Arizona will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from South Dakota to Arizona, you'll now have a state income tax of 2.5%-4.5%
• The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in South Dakota and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Arizona

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative in its political climate
• Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as moderately conservative
• Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse, with Christianity predominant and a significant proportion of non-religious residents
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a strong Protestant representation

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Arizona

How Much Do South Dakota to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,287 miles from South Dakota to Arizona 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.