South Dakota to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to California

ConsSouth Dakota

• Harsh winters
• Limited job opportunities
• Rural lifestyle
• Fewer cultural events
• Less diversity

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Diverse job market
• Urban living
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Cultural diversity

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California

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Higher population density
• Transient population
• Polluted urban areas

South Dakota

• Low cost of living
• Quiet towns
• Less crowded
• Close-knit communities
• Natural beauty

Pros of moving from South Dakota to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to California with a diverse job market
• Swap the rural lifestyle of South Dakota for urban living in California
• Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in California

Cons of moving from South Dakota to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in South Dakota to live with the high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of quiet towns and have to settle for the con of heavy traffic
• Time to bid farewell to less crowded areas and get used to a higher population density in California
• Swap close-knit communities for a transient population

South Dakota vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from South Dakota to California, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious California roll of California. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Bison steak and sumptuous Fry bread, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Tacos 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 Avocado toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Minervas, and Lookout Lodge. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and Spago.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and California

• The Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and private driveways, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and sustainable features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than South Dakota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
• California has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
• California housing costs are 162% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
• Rent in California is 129.02% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from South Dakota to California. California gets 33% more sunshine days than South Dakota.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to South Dakota.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in South Dakota, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as that in South Dakota.
• The average winter lows in California are 35 degrees warmer than those in South Dakota.
• Your umbrella might be used the same in California. California receives inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 31% more than in South Dakota
• The COLI in California will be 45% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
• Bummer... By moving from SD to CA, you'll now have a state income tax of 1% to 13.3%
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in South Dakota
• In terms of homelessness, it is rare in South Dakota and prevalent in California

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. California

• South Dakota tends to lean conservative and Republican-leaning in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal and Democratic-leaning
• California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with a significant number of non-religious individuals
• South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as largely Christian, with evangelical Protestantism being significant

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to California

How Much Do South Dakota to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,662 miles from South Dakota to California 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.