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South Dakota to Delaware Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 1,516 mile interstate move from South Dakota to Delaware? This moving guide will help you compare living in South Dakota vs Delaware across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Chislic vs Scrapple), real estate & housing (prairie and ranch vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chislic and Pheasant, but get your taste buds ready for Scrapple & Crab Cakes
  • Delaware housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in South Dakota
  • Rent in Delaware is 55.48% more expensive than in South Dakota
  • Moving from South Dakota to Delaware will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended South Dakota to Delaware movers is SSW Moving & Junk Removal

South Dakota to Delaware Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from South Dakota to Delaware

ConsSouth Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Harsh winters
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job market
  • Sparse amenities
ProsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Milder climate
  • Proximity to cities
  • Vibrant economy
  • Abundant attractions

Delaware iconDelaware
  • Higher cost of living
  • Congested traffic
  • Higher taxes
  • Denser population
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota
  • Natural beauty
  • Low crime rate
  • Small-town charm
  • Space to roam

Pros of moving from South Dakota to Delaware

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Delaware with its proximity to cities
  • Swap the limited job market of South Dakota for a vibrant economy in Delaware
  • Get ready for abundant attractions in Delaware

Cons of moving from South Dakota to Delaware

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in South Dakota to live with a higher cost of living in Delaware
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle for the con of congested traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to small-town charm and get used to higher taxes in Delaware
  • Swap space to roam for a denser population

South Dakota vs. Delaware: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
Most iconic local food itemChislicScrapple
Most popular meat dishPheasantCrab Cakes
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosItalian Subs
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice DishesRoasted Vegetable Wrap
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Phillips Avenue Diner
  • Minervas
  • Silver Lining Creamery
  • Dover Downs
  • Henlopen City Oyster House
  • Bluecoast Seafood Grill
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 Delaware, you will be trading the iconic Chislic of South Dakota for the equally delicious Scrapple of Delaware. And while the locals in South Dakota rave about their flavorful Pheasant and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Delaware residents know they have tasty Crab Cakes and Italian Subs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Roasted Vegetable Wrap of Delaware. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic South Dakota eateries like Phillips Avenue Diner, Minervas, and Silver Lining Creamery. After the boxes are unpacked in Delaware, don't wait too long before making your way to Delaware's acclaimed eateries like Dover Downs, Henlopen City Oyster House, and Bluecoast Seafood Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between South Dakota and Delaware

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and RanchColonial and Cape Cod
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 listingLarge lots, Natural sceneryClose to beaches, Modern amenities
  • The Prairie and Ranch architecture that South Dakota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Delaware.
  • Compared to South Dakota's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and natural scenery, Delaware real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Delaware is more walkable than South Dakota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Delaware is more bike-friendly than South Dakota.
  • Delaware has more of an urban feel than South Dakota.
  • Delaware housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in South Dakota, with a median home price of $385,745 compared to South Dakota’s $299,062.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Delaware have increased by 42% compared to a 48% increase in South Dakota.
  • Rent in Delaware is 55.48% more expensive than in South Dakota.

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

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
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 DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/60Β°F86Β°F/66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F/10Β°F45Β°F/28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20-3040-50
Annual Snowfall (Inches)30-4015-25
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from South Dakota to Delaware. Delaware gets 11% fewer sunshine days than South Dakota.
  • Delaware has higher 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware.
  • The average summer high temperature in Delaware is 1 degree warmer than in South Dakota.
  • The average winter lows in Delaware are 18 degrees warmer than they are in South Dakota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Delaware. Delaware receives 20 more inches of rain compared to South Dakota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: South Dakota and Delaware

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
Avg. Household Income$69,728$82,174
Cost of Living Index94.1102.45
State Income Tax0%2.2-6.6%
Avg. Property Tax1.25%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%0%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, FinanceFinance, Biotechnology, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessScatteredConcentrated
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Delaware tend to earn about 18% more than in South Dakota
  • The COLI in Delaware will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in South Dakota
  • Bummer... By moving from SD to DE, you'll now have a state income tax of 2.2-6.6%
  • The affluence in Delaware is high compared to moderate in South Dakota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Delaware compared to low in South Dakota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is scattered in South Dakota and concentrated in Delaware

Political and Religious Climate in South Dakota vs. Delaware

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-dominated legislatureDemocratic-controlled legislature
ReligionChristianity Predominant (Evangelical, Catholic)Christianity Predominant (Catholic, Methodist)
  • South Dakota tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Delaware, on the other hand, is often described as lean Liberal
  • Delaware's religious environment can be described as Christianity Predominant (Catholic, Methodist)
  • South Dakota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity Predominant (Evangelical, Catholic)

Education Guide When Moving from South Dakota to Delaware

ComparisonSouth DakotaDelaware
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)South Dakota State University
University of South Dakota
Dakota State University
University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChallenge Center (Sioux Falls)
Discovery Elementary (Sioux Falls)
T.F. Riggs Elementary (Pierre)
Charter School of Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Sussex Academy (Georgetown)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Patrick Henry Middle School (Sioux Falls)
Yankton Middle School (Yankton)
Conrad Schools of Science (Wilmington)
Cab Calloway School of the Arts (Wilmington)
Sussex Academy (Georgetown)
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln High School (Sioux Falls)
Roosevelt High School (Sioux Falls)
Washington High School (Sioux Falls)
Charter School of Wilmington
Newark Charter School
Sussex Academy
Top 3 private high schoolsO'Gorman High School (Sioux Falls)
Roncalli High School (Aberdeen)
Sioux Falls Christian Schools (Sioux Falls)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Sanford School (Hockessin)
Archmere Academy (Claymont)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSioux Falls Christian Schools
Great Plains Lutheran High School (Watertown)
Aberdeen Christian School (Aberdeen)
Tower Hill School (Wilmington)
Sanford School (Hockessin)
St. Andrew's School (Middletown)
Top 3 School DistrictsSioux Falls School District
Brandon Valley School District
Harrisburg School District
Brandywine School District
Caesar Rodney School District
Red Clay Consolidated School District

How Much Do South Dakota to Delaware Movers Cost?

Moving 1,516 miles from South Dakota to Delaware 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.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Keep It - Moving & Labor
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,062300 ft3$6.87
1 Bedroom$3,070450 ft3$6.82
2 Bedrooms$5,080750 ft3$6.77
3 Bedrooms$7,3951100 ft3$6.72
4 Bedrooms$10,6771600 ft3$6.67
5+ Bedrooms$11,9221800 ft3$6.62

Top South Dakota to Delaware Movers

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

TOP PICK
SSW Moving & Junk Removal featured image

SSW Moving & Junk Removal

Best moving company overall for South Dakota to Delaware

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Keep It - Moving & Labor

Keep It - Moving & Labor

8.99/10
ALSO GREAT
Dial-A-Move Inc. featured image

Dial-A-Move Inc.

8.94/10
Top South Dakota to Delaware Routes

Sioux Falls to Delaware